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Tobacco Use and Fertility

Two couples discussing fertility issues caused by smoking. Learn more at www.betobaccofree.gov.Can smoking affect my ability to get pregnant?

Studies suggest that smoking affects hormone production. This could make it harder for women smokers to get pregnant.

Additionally, smoking is known to cause ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the fertilized egg fails to move to the uterus and instead attaches in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy poses a serious risk to the mother and is fatal to the fetus.

Quitting smoking before getting pregnant is best.

Does smoking affect male fertility?

Recent studies show that smoking is a cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). A man with ED can’t have and maintain an erection that is adequate for satisfactory sexual performance, which can affect reproduction. Cigarette smoke alters blood flow necessary an erection, and smoking interferes with the healthy function of blood vessels in erectile tissue.

Smoking also damages the DNA in sperm, which can lead to infertility or miscarriages.

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