Trying for a Baby? Smoking may be making it harder, WHO warns

Geneva (Switzerland), September 17, 2026: Smoking may reduce the chances of becoming pregnant and affect reproductive health in both women and men, while exposure to second-hand smoke may also interfere with fertility, according to a new knowledge summary from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO publication brings together evidence linking tobacco use with infertility in women, problems affecting sperm and sexual function in men, and poorer outcomes in some fertility treatments.Infertility affects about one in six people of reproductive age at some point in their lives. It is generally defined as being unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Smoking and female fertility

Evidence collected over several decades points to a link between tobacco smoking and reduced reproductive health in women.A systematic review covering studies published between 2000 and 2026 found that women who currently smoke tobacco had a 40% higher risk of infertility than women who did not smoke.The WHO summary also highlights evidence suggesting that quitting can make a difference. Women who had smoked in the past but no longer smoked had a 25% lower risk of infertility compared with women who continued to smoke.

Men’s fertility can also be affected

The impact of smoking on fertility is not limited to women. A review of 44 studies involving more than 60,000 men found an association between smoking and reproductive problems.These included abnormalities in semen as well as sexual dysfunction. Men who smoked were more likely to experience erectile and ejaculation problems, along with issues involving sperm count, movement and shape.The findings reinforce that fertility problems can involve factors affecting either partner and should not automatically be viewed as a women’s health issue.

Smoking may affect fertility treatment

Tobacco use may also influence the outcome of assisted reproductive treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).The WHO summary cites research covering 21 studies that linked cigarette smoking with fewer pregnancies and live births following assisted reproduction. Some evidence suggests that smoking may substantially reduce the likelihood of a successful treatment outcome.

Second-hand smoke may matter too

People do not necessarily have to smoke themselves to face potential reproductive risks.According to WHO, exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke has also been associated with fertility problems. Women exposed to second-hand smoke may face a higher risk of infertility and a lower likelihood of conceiving during each month of trying.Evidence concerning newer products such as e-cigarettes, waterpipes and smokeless tobacco remains limited and continues to develop. WHO said the strongest evidence currently relates to cigarette smoking, while other tobacco and nicotine products may also carry reproductive risks that require further research.The WHO recommends that healthcare professionals discuss the reproductive effects of tobacco with people and couples planning a pregnancy and provide evidence-based help to those who want to quit.It also recommends that brief advice on quitting tobacco be routinely offered to tobacco users across healthcare settings.