Close to 20% of Americans over 18 smoke cigarettes. That’s a pretty high number considering the well known serious health issues that this unhealthy vice can cause. For you smokers, did you know that your fertility is affected each time you or your partner lights one up? Let’s talk a little further about why you should quit.

Smoking and it’s affect on male reproduction

In order for a sperm to do its job, it needs to be the right shape and be able to move. Smoking not only can lower overall sperm counts, but it can affect the morphology (shape) and motility (movement) of the sperm. Studies suggest that smoking may also decrease testosterone levels, which not only can affect sperm counts, but your sex drive as well.

Smoking and IVF

As if that’s not bad enough, smoking appears to decrease the chances for success of an IVF cycle. Recent studies observed couples going through IVF cycles and found that women with non-smoking partners had a 32% chance of a successful cycle compared to only 18% of those with a partner who smoked. The researchers believed that the smoker’s sperm was less able to fertilize an egg, even when using ICSI.

Don’t forget the girls!

Smoking isn’t just hurting you, but also causes harm to your partner. A study completed in 2005 compared pregnancy rates of non-smokers, smokers, and those who lived with a smoker. The non-smokers had a 48% chance of getting pregnant while the smokers had a 19% chance. A staggering fact: those who lived with a smoker had a 20% chance, essentially the same as if she was lighting up on her own.
So do yourself and your partner a favor and take measures to quit smoking!

For more information on male infertility, please visit our website at www.txfertility.com or www.austinivf.com.