Mumbai – Experts have raised alarms over the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption, and vaping on fertility, revealing how these habits can contribute to increasing reproductive health issues and miscarriage risks in both men and women. Doctors say that these substances can damage reproductive organs, disrupt hormonal balance, and even harm the health of future offspring.
Dr. Anuja Thomas, a consultant-obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals in Kharghar, spoke to PTI about the growing fertility problems among women and men. She explained that these issues are not only related to age or stress but also linked to lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, and vaping.
“These habits are often seen as personal choices, but they have a profound effect on fertility,” Dr. Thomas said. “Many people believe that stopping these habits temporarily when trying for a baby is enough, but in reality, they need to be completely avoided to protect reproductive health.”
Dr. Thomas pointed out that these substances can lead to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, and a higher risk of miscarriage. Long-term use can also harm fetal development, creating complications during pregnancy. She emphasized that it is crucial to quit these habits early to preserve reproductive health.
Dr. Manju Gupta, a senior consultant at Motherhood Hospitals in Noida, added that smoking directly affects both male and female fertility. In women, smoking accelerates egg loss, damages fallopian tubes, and increases the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies. In men, smoking lowers sperm count and damages sperm DNA, leading to birth defects and miscarriages.
Dr. Gupta also warned against passive smoking, which is just as harmful to reproductive health. She highlighted that many people mistakenly believe that quitting smoking or vaping months before trying to conceive will undo the damage, but this is a dangerous misconception. Smoking and vaping have long-lasting effects on fertility, she stressed.
Dr. Neha Tripathi, a fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Delhi NCR, pointed out that these habits lead to hormonal imbalances, poor egg quality, and irregular cycles, making it harder to conceive. Smoking harms the fallopian tubes, alcohol interferes with ovulation, and vaping—often seen as a safer alternative—contains chemicals that damage the uterine lining and affect egg development.
“In men, these habits reduce sperm count, damage DNA, and lower testosterone levels,” Dr. Tripathi added. She emphasized the importance of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and support for quitting these substances to prevent reproductive issues.
Beyond fertility concerns, these vices also increase the risk of various cancers. Dr. Gaurav Jaswal, a consultant in radiation oncology, warned that smoking, alcohol, and vaping can lead to long-term inflammation, DNA damage, and weakened immunity, raising the risk of breast, cervical, oral, and lung cancers in women.
“Women need to make informed decisions about these habits,” Dr. Jaswal said. “Quitting these substances early can greatly improve health and well-being.”
Doctors urge individuals to take responsibility for their reproductive health and seek professional help if they need assistance in quitting these harmful habits.
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