Trying to conceive? WHO warns smoking can reduce fertility in both women and men

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 09, 2026

Photo courtesy: FirstCry Parenting

Smoking may make it harder to have a baby for both women and men, with the World Health Organization (WHO) also warning that exposure to second-hand smoke can affect reproductive health.

In a new knowledge summary released on Sept. 8, WHO said tobacco use is linked to infertility in women as well as poorer sperm health and sexual dysfunction in men.

A review of studies conducted between 2000 and 2026 found that women who currently smoke have a 40 percent higher risk of infertility compared with non-smokers.

Quitting may make a difference. Women who previously smoked but had stopped were found to have a 25 percent lower risk of infertility compared with women who continued smoking.

For men, a review of 44 studies involving more than 60,000 participants linked smoking to semen abnormalities and problems including erectile dysfunction and ejaculation difficulties. Smoking was also associated with poor sperm movement and abnormal sperm shape.

The impact may extend to fertility treatments. WHO cited research suggesting that cigarette smoking could roughly halve the chances of successful outcomes from assisted reproductive procedures such as in vitro fertilization.

People who do not smoke themselves may also face risks. WHO said second-hand smoke exposure may increase infertility risk and reduce a woman’s chances of conceiving during each month of trying.

WHO advises healthcare providers to discuss the reproductive risks of tobacco use with individuals and couples planning a pregnancy and provide support to those who want to quit.

Infertility affects about one in six people of reproductive age worldwide at some point in their lives.