Published on: 2026-09-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
September 8, 2026 Healthcare
Smoking likely reduces the chances of becoming pregnant: the risk of infertility in women who smoke is 40 percent higher than in non-smokers. This warning comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) in a new publication. “We urge everyone planning a pregnancy to quit smoking and improve their health, including reproductive health,” said Kerstin Schotte, a staff member of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Control Initiative.
The WHO defines infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular sexual intercourse without the use of contraceptives. Every sixth person on the planet faces this problem.
In its new report, WHO summarizes evidence collected over decades linking tobacco use to infertility in women, as well as the negative impact of tobacco on sperm quality and sexual functions in men. WHO also notes that passive smoking can affect fertility, meaning that non-smokers can also fall into the at-risk group.
The report’s authors urge women who smoke to quit the harmful habit, emphasizing that those who have quit smoking have a 25 percent lower risk of infertility compared to those who have not.
Smoking may also reduce the chances of success in treating infertility. Previously, the results of 21 studies already indicated a link between cigarette smoking and a lower number of live births, including after assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). The data also suggest that smoking can approximately halve the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Not just a women’s issue
This concerns not only women. A review of 44 studies involving more than 60,000 men showed that smoking is associated with reproductive function disorders, including sperm abnormalities and sexual dysfunction.
Data showed that smoking men suffered more often from erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and poor sperm quality, including absence of sperm, poor motility, and abnormal shape.
Hookah, electronic cigarettes, and passive smoking
Although data on the harm of electronic cigarettes (also known as vapes), hookahs, smokeless tobacco, and other new products are still being formed, the WHO warns that they may also pose a risk to reproductive health. This issue requires further research.
Risk Reduction
The publication recommends that healthcare professionals discuss the reproductive risks of tobacco use with individuals and couples planning pregnancy.
Experts also urge helping smokers to quit this habit using proven effective methods.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.