WHO warns smoking increases infertility risk by 40 percent in women

A World Health Organization report released on September 8, 2026, warns that tobacco use significantly undermines fertility, affecting both men and women. While smoking is linked to female infertility, quitting can reduce this risk by 25 percent. For men, a review of 44 studies shows smoking causes semen abnormalities and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, second-hand smoke exposure lowers conception rates, and cigarette use halves the success of assisted reproduction treatments like IVF.

Tobacco smoking infertility risk

• ▪The World Health Organization defines infertility as failing to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting approximately one in six people globally.
• ▪A World Health Organization report released on September 8, 2026, states that tobacco smoking is associated with infertility in women.
• ▪Women who formerly smoked tobacco but have quit may have a 25 percent lower risk of infertility compared to those who continue smoking, according to a World Health Organization publication.

Male reproductive health impacts

• ▪Men who smoke tobacco are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, absence of sperm in semen, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape.
• ▪A review of 44 studies involving over 60,000 men linked tobacco smoking to reproductive dysfunction, including semen abnormalities and sexual dysfunction.

Fertility treatment success rates

• ▪Cigarette smoking could reduce the chances of successful outcomes from assisted reproduction treatments by approximately half.
• ▪A review of 21 studies linked cigarette smoking to fewer live births and pregnancies following assisted reproduction treatments such as in vitro fertilization.

Second-hand smoke exposure risks

• ▪Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke can affect fertility and pose reproductive risks to individuals who do not smoke.
• ▪Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke may increase the risk of infertility in women by lowering the likelihood of conceiving each month they try.

Alternative tobacco products

• ▪The World Health Organization states that emerging evidence suggests e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and other nicotine products may pose reproductive risks requiring further research.
• ▪Waterpipe smoking, also known as hookah or shisha, may negatively affect male fertility.

WHO cessation recommendations

• ▪The World Health Organization recommends that healthcare providers discuss the reproductive risks of tobacco use with individuals and couples planning a pregnancy.
• ▪The World Health Organization calls for evidence-based support to help people quit smoking, including routine brief cessation advice in all healthcare settings.