does smoking stop you from getting pergnant?

Question

iv been trying 4 a baby 4 6months an havnt fell preg i smoke 20 a day does it affect my fertility

Answer 1

Smoking and fertility

Establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential if you are thinking about having a baby. If you currently smoke cigarettes, then it is wise to consider giving it up.

Even if you don't plan to have a baby straight away, smoking compromises your menstrual health and the healthy functioning of your reproductive system. Studies have shown that smokers take longer to conceive than non-smokers, and this includes passive smoking (more at http://www.nietrokers.nl/e/n02100.html ).

I received the following information from Kate Adams who is studying environmental epidemiology - She found the information whilst researching chemicals and ovarian cancer.

"PAH, a component of cigarette smoke and fossil fuel combustion, binds to what is called an Aromatic Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) on cells in ovary structures. When PAH attaches itself, it stimulates the ovaries to shut down the maturation process of eggs, resulting in an egg trapped in a non-ovulatory follicle. In other words, smoking can interfere with and even shut down ovulation, with obvious consequences for normal functioning of the menstrual cycle. Some scientists believe this evidence explains why women who smoke experience premature menopause. ... Dioxins and PCB's and other double and multi-ring structures can also bind to this receptor and wreak havoc on reproductive systems, but they do it in a less-known and different way than PAH. "

Smoking affects women undergoing in vitro fertilization "Smoking lessens the chance of successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and women should be actively encouraged to quit before undergoing IVF, researchers recommend… These data should lead us actively to discourage smoking among women before IVF treatment. The explanation may be that smoking causes vascular problems, which inhibit the embryo from implanting in the wall of the uterus," Full article at http://www.obgyn.net/newsrx/women's_health-In_Vitro_Fertilization-20010809-10.asp

Smoking has many harmful effects on the unborn child - ranging from reducing birth weight, increasing spontaneous miscarriage and increasing the likelihood of other pregnancy complications More at http://www.ash.org.uk/html/factsheets/html/fact07.html

More links and information on Smoking and menstrual health / Fertility

http://www.arhp.org/clinical/clinical1/clinfert.htm

http://www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/smoking.pdf

http://www.health.ufl.edu/post/post0499/post04_16/1.html

Men are also at risk as smoking can reduce the health of their sperm.

Answer 2

Natural Quit Smoking Magic

Answer 3

There are some studies that suggest there is a connection between reduced fertility and smoking for both parents. Like all things smoking is only one factor, if you are having difficulty you should see your Doctor.

Still as an ex smoker I can say giving up smoking was one of the best things I've done. Saved me £thousands over the last 20 years.

Answer 4

I smoked when I got pregnant, and stopped as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I'm not sure how it affects a woman's fertility if at all, but smoking does affect a mans fertility, so if your partner smokes you might want to try getting him to quit? Perhaps you could do it together giving each other support? Good luck, I'm sure you'll get pregnant soon.

Answer 5

No, my husband and I both smoked while trying to conceive. We had problems conceiving because I have PCOS but my doctor didn't make me quit during treatments because of the stress. I would recommend trying to cut back, but it you don't have to quit until you get pregnant. Smoking doesn't stop you from ovulating or for letting the egg fertilize. As for smoking on male sperm, it has no affect. My husband smoked for 20 years and has excellent sperm. Good luck and relax, it can take a while

Answer 6

Smoking severly affects fertility. Here's what I found:

Over 20 published studies in the medical literature have detailed the adverse effects of tobacco smoking on fertility

A study done in mice showed that nicotine had disruptive effects on egg maturation, ovulation rates, and fertilization rates. The study also showed more chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs exposed to nicotine. Ovarian reserve and egg quantity and quality are also reduced in women who smoke.

So maybe you should consult your doctor to see if you have any problems that might prevent you from getting pregnant. If your okay then maybe you should consider stop smoking to improve your chances.

Answer 7

Its said to be a factor in decreased fertility. You would be best to stop now becase I hope to god your not intending on smoking that much when your pregnant and if your conciously planning then surely you should have stopped already?

I smoked 10 a day when I fell pregnant (unexpected) and stopped as soon as I knew.

Answer 8

yeah it definetely will effect your fertility in a bad way, not good. 20 a day is quite a lot, so even if you managed to cut back to say,10, this will increase your chances. ive read thats its even worse if your bloke smokes as this has a detrimental effect on the quality of the sperm. i gave up on new years eve, after a 15 day habit, and also started a strict diet at the same time. and blimey, if i can do it, so can you chick. its hard, i aint gonna say its easy but the thought of a baby just pulls me through and keeps me going. good luck sweetheart xx

Answer 9

No, don't worry about your smoking. Smoking has nothing to do with getting pregnant. Sometimes conception just takes a while, smoker or not. Keep trying and I am sure you will get pregnant soon. Good luck!

Answer 10

smoking can reduce your fertility by up to 50% if you carry on smoking through any baby you manage to conceive it also increases the chance of miscarriage by 80%