Smoking and male fertility

You are well aware of the detrimental effects of smoking on your health, but did you know that this habit can affect your reproductive ability and negatively influence your future children’s health? A smoker’s quality of life is not only affected by the direct damage that fumes in the smoke cause to the affected organs, but also by the indirect effects that manifest themselves in the long run.

The most unfamiliar one of these is the influence of smoking on a man’s fertility: Sperm count, quality and function. Long-term smoking may induce genetic damage to the sperms, affecting the health of your future progeny.

In addition, you expose your loved-ones -­ your spouse, children and the unborn baby – to the injurious effects of cigarette smoke (this is referred to as passive smoking or second hand smoke).

Prevalence of smoking is higher in men
In India, the prevalence of smoking is much higher in men (47%) than in women (17%). On an average, a person smokes 12-14 cigarettes (or other forms of smoke) per day. Given that almost half of the male population smokes and exposes the other half (their spouses and children) passively, can you imagine the burden of smoking-related illnesses on the Indian population?

Smoking affects male reproductive ability
Impotency (the inability to sustain an erection for sexual intercourse) is a frequently observed problem in smoking men, particularly in those who also have Diabetes or high blood pressure. Even if you are able to perform well in the bedroom, this is hardly any reason for respite. Studies have shown that smoking can bring about a 20% to 30% reduction in Sperm count, volume and motility. Moreover, smoking may induce oxidative damage in the seminal fluid and, in turn, cause abnormalities in shape and function of the sperms. A recent finding demonstrated that sperms from two-thirds of tobacco-smokers had a decreased capacity (only 25%) to bind to the egg (ovum) as compared to those from matched non-smokers. Taking all these factors into account, smoking may be regarded as a risk factor for male infertility.

Active smoking may also result in damage to the genetic material of the sperms causing DNA breakage or changes (mutations). These can render the Sperm non-functional or the mutations can also be passed on to future generations.

Smoking influences the health of your future children
By now you know that the human Sperm is subjected to DNA damage due to smoking. This altered Sperm DNA may further get transmitted to the growing Embryo and subsequently to the offspring. Findings of a study revealed that paternal preconception smoking was related to increased risks of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoma and brain tumors. Preconception smoking has also been linked to a higher risk of mental retardation in children.

Quit smoking for a better tomorrow
Now is the right time to stop smoking. Apart from the innumerable health benefits that you may derive from quitting smoking, you may not only spare yourself from being pushed towards infertility, but better still, ensure the health of your loved-ones. Studies have shown that it is difficult for people to quit smoking on their own. Seeking professional help and peer support can be an efficient way to minimize this habit. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the various effective strategies that can support to say ‘goodbye’ to this habit successfully. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe or recommend some medicines to aid you in the process. After all: Nicotine patches are great. Stick one over each eye and you can’t find your cigarettes.