Doctors’ predictions cause concern: they said how many couples will face infertility problems in the near future

Research confirms that one of the reasons that negatively affect a family’s chances of having a baby is that one or both members of the couple smoke. Both men and women who smoke are much more likely to have fertility problems than non-smokers. The risk of infertility increases significantly if you smoke for a long time or smoke many cigarettes every day: smoking immediately causes negative hormonal fluctuations that interfere with ovulation, while prolonged smoking causes vascular changes, impaired blood flow and ovarian function.

Infertility, thrombosis, and risk of miscarriage

According to Bogdanskienė, cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 40 of which are known to cause or promote the development of cancer. The specific carcinogens of nicotine and tobacco are found in cervical mucus, so smoking can reduce the immune response in the cervix. This can lead to these fertility problems.

The doctor also warns women taking hormonal and contraceptive drugs to stop smoking because of the increased risk.

“Nicotine affects the blood vessels, stimulates the production of the hormones epinephrine and adrenaline, which increase blood pressure and at the same time narrow the blood vessels. And hormonal drugs to promote ovulation, including contraceptives, increase blood clotting As a result, women who smoke and take hormonal drugs have a higher risk of thromboembolic complications, ”says G. Bogdanskienė.
Even with in vitro fertilization, women who smoke in vitro are more likely to become pregnant, based on clinical data. Women who smoke are much more likely than non-smokers to have a miscarriage due to the toxins released by cigarettes.

“Smoking increases the risk of preterm birth and ectopic pregnancy several times and can even be the cause of sudden infant death syndrome,” G. Bogdanskienė warns future parents.

It is also harmful to be in a smoky room.

Since the beginning of this year, the ban on smoking on the balconies of apartment buildings has come into effect when at least one resident of the house objects. Residential multi-apartment buildings one after another announcing that smoking is prohibited on their balconies or when the window is open, it is likely that more than one smoker will move into the house, into the ventilation opening. Dr. G. Bogdanskienė points out that passive smoking is also a poison that can affect fertility.

“Fertility experts say that the effects of secondhand smoke on fertility are about the same as if a woman smoked. Even a few days a woman spends in a smoky room can have an impact on health and wellness. fertility ”, says the doctor.

Changes in smoking over a year are felt as early as a week later

Quitting smoking is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, but for many people it still is, because quitting is not easy.

Smoking tobacco is often mentioned as a less harmful smoking method for people who have a hard time quitting regular cigarettes.

“There is not enough long-term research to answer the effects of smoking tobacco products, but they do not contain smoke, so if you cannot quit smoking, those planning to have a baby should consider possible ways to reduce the harm,” he advises. G. Bogdanskienė.

Your doctor shares simple tips with his patients that can help those who decide to quit smoking and want a healthy baby:

• put the money you spent on cigarettes in the savings account; Make a list of the items you would like to buy.
• throw away all cigarettes, matches, lighters so that you don’t have them on hand when you want to smoke;
• try to spend your free time meaningfully, replace smoking with active movement, and after quarantine, communicate with friends, avoid places, meetings where you used to smoke, and if you go to a party, try to communicate with non-smokers;
• If you want to smoke, drink a glass of juice, chew gum or suck on the lollipops that you always carry with you.

According to the doctor, years of smoking unpleasant changes usually disappear after the first week.