Smoking impacts fertility in men, women

Despite enough literature and awareness campaigns, many smokers still find it tough to kick the butt.

And, it’s often during days like the World No Tobacco Day, which falls every year on May 31, that there’s renewed efforts to help drill home the point.

While health hazards have been highlighted, many smokers fail to understand how their habit also impacts their fertility.

“There has been increase evidence that smoking decreases the fertility of both men and women,” reveals Dr. David Robertson, Medical Director & IVF Consultant at Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, Dubai.

“This is especially true of cigarette smoking and, importantly for this region, shisha. Smoking shisha for an hour or so is equivalent to smoking a full pack of cigarettes,” he said, adding, “With each cigarette, over 7,000 chemicals are inhaled into the body, many of which are highly toxic.

“In women, this leads to ovulation problems, genetic damage to eggs and, over time, a reduced egg supply. In men, it is well established that smoking causes significant damage to sperm and leads to an increase in genetic abnormalities.

“Couples seeking fertility treatment should stop smoking at least three months before undergoing treatment - this is the time taken for sperm to develop and will allow new, healthier sperm to predominate. It’s also important to remember that passive smoking can affect fertility too.”

To mark the World No Tobacco Day, the Dubai Municipality will not hold a blanket ban on sale of cigarettes in the UAE. “This year, there will be no ban on the sale,” confirmed an official at the civic body.

Instead, they will host games at the Mall of the Emirates from 10am to 10pm, and hope to spread the message. “We will host a unique snake and ladder game where we will swap the images of snakes for burnt out cigarettes,” he added.

These games will help spread awareness and encourage more people to give up the habit.

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