Tobacco smoking may reduce people’s chances of conceiving and could harm fertility in both women and men, the World Health Organization has warned.
In a knowledge summary published on Tuesday, WHO, on its website, said tobacco use was associated with infertility in women, harmful effects on sperm and sexual function in men, and potentially lower chances of success with some fertility treatments.
The agency also warned that people who do not smoke themselves may face reproductive risks through exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
“Smoking may reduce the chances of conceiving for many people worldwide,” WHO said, citing evidence from decades of research.
Globally, one in six people of reproductive age will experience infertility at some point in their lifetime, according to WHO.
