Smoking Hazards
Effects of smoking on infertility
There are more than 4,000 known compounds present in cigarettes. It has been estimated that every cigarette reduces an individual's life expectancy by 14 minutes. Like placing undue pressure on the body's respiratory, circulatory, immune and renal systems, smoking interferes with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in maintaining reproductive health both in men and women. Both female and male smokers have lower fertility levels, while adults born to mothers who smoked have less chance of becoming a parent themselves. Smoking also reduces the chances of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) to be succeeful. In female, smoking impairs fertility by the following ways: -Damaging placental function that feed the baby -Exposing the foetus (babies) to toxins in tobacco smoke -Increasing foetal heart rate to get enough oxygen as smoker mother's blood oxygen is replaced partially by carbon monoxide -Affecting production of hormone that is necessary for pregnancy -Disrupting effects on egg maturation, ovulation, fertilisation, and chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs exposed to nicotine -Reducing ovarian reserve, egg quantity and quality -Interfering the transportation of the egg through the fallopian tubes to the womb -Increasing the risk of early miscarriage In males, smoking is known to impede fertility by: -Lowering the sperm count by 15% compared to that of non-smokers. There has been evidence that tobacco is one of the key factors thought to contribute lowering sperm count over last few decades. -Decreasing the motility of the sperm -Affecting the shape of the sperm -Reducing the amount of semen -Changing the way DNA is packaged in sperm cells -Unbalancing protein Protamine inside sperm head -Reducing binding capacity of sperm to egg -Causing impotence due to erectile dysfunction as smoking lead to the degeneration of the blood vessels that carry blood to the sex organ It has been known that smokers who quit immediately improve their chances of producing healthy sperm and conceiving. However, it has been advised that couples planning for a pregnancy should allow at least three to six months preparation before conceiving, so the red blood cells can fully regenerate. It is never too late to stop smoking. Every cigarette you decide not to smoke will help your as well as your baby's health in the long run.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments