How Smoking Affects Fertility in Men and Women
Smoking is linked to lower fertility in both women and men, and it raises the risk of several pregnancy complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that smoking causes reduced fertility in women, and reduced fertility is also linked to men who smoke. Quitting before trying to conceive is the step with the clearest documented benefit for both partners.
If you are pregnant or think you might be and have sudden one-sided abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or fainting, treat this as an emergency. These can be signs of ectopic pregnancy, a complication smoking is associated with a higher risk of. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
What the Evidence Shows About Smoking and Female Fertility
According to the CDC, smoking before or during pregnancy can affect the likelihood of becoming pregnant and increases the risk of several pregnancy complications, including:
- Reduced fertility
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Placenta previa and placental abruption
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Preterm delivery
Research also suggests smoking may cause miscarriage, according to the CDC. Smoking during pregnancy is additionally linked to fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, congenital malformations such as orofacial clefts, adverse effects on fetal lung and brain development, stillbirth, perinatal mortality, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy is not risk-free either. The CDC states it causes small reductions in birth weight, and research suggests it may also raise the risk of preterm delivery. Infants exposed to secondhand smoke also face higher risk of SIDS, middle ear disease, lower respiratory illness, and decreased lung function.
What the Evidence Shows About Smoking and Male Fertility
Reproductive health effects of smoking are not limited to women. Reduced fertility, birth defects, and miscarriage risk have been linked to men who smoke, based on CDC-cited data. Because sperm health can play a role in how long it takes a couple to conceive, both partners’ smoking status is worth considering when planning a pregnancy.
Why Quitting Before Conception Matters
The CDC states that smoking cessation is one of the most important steps a woman who smokes can take for a healthy pregnancy, and that the best time to quit is before trying to conceive. Quitting at any point during pregnancy can still benefit both mother and baby.
Documented Benefits of Quitting Before or Early in Pregnancy
- Cessation early in pregnancy eliminates the adverse effects of smoking on fetal growth
- Quitting before or during early pregnancy reduces the risk of a small-for-gestational-age birth
- Research suggests cessation may lower the risk of preterm delivery
What Quitting Cannot Undo
- Cessation does not reverse a pregnancy complication or birth outcome that has already occurred
- Evidence on how quickly fertility-related measures improve after quitting is limited and varies by individual
- Existing fertility conditions unrelated to smoking are not resolved by quitting alone
A Simple Checklist Before Trying to Conceive
- Talk with a healthcare provider about your and your partner’s smoking or vaping status before trying to conceive
- Ask your provider about cessation support options, including counseling and cessation aids appropriate for your situation
- If you are already pregnant and smoke, tell your prenatal care provider — quitting at any stage can still help
- Avoid secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy and around infants
- If you have a known fertility diagnosis, are over 35, or are pursuing assisted reproductive technology, raise smoking history directly with your fertility specialist
Who Should Take Extra Care
People with a known fertility diagnosis, those undergoing fertility treatment, and women who are pregnant or trying to conceive after age 35 may want to raise smoking or vaping history directly with their provider, since baseline fertility factors can compound with smoking-related risk. Partners of pregnant individuals should also know that secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy carries documented risks.
Evidence Limits
Most of the CDC data summarized here comes from studies on cigarette smoking specifically. Evidence on vaping and fertility is still developing, and long-term reproductive data for e-cigarettes is not as extensive as it is for combustible cigarettes. This article does not diagnose any condition, estimate individual chances of conceiving, or recommend a specific treatment, medication, or timeline for quitting. Talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your own situation before making decisions about smoking cessation methods or fertility treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does smoking affect fertility in both men and women?
Yes. The CDC states that smoking causes reduced fertility in women, and reduced fertility is also linked to men who smoke, based on CDC-cited data.
How soon after quitting could fertility-related risks improve?
There is no set timeline. Research shows some pregnancy-related benefits from quitting before or early in pregnancy, but individual results vary. This is a question best directed to a healthcare provider familiar with your history.
Does vaping carry the same fertility risks as smoking?
Long-term reproductive health data on vaping is more limited than on cigarette smoking. This is an evidence gap, not a confirmation that vaping is risk-free.
Does secondhand smoke affect a partner’s fertility or pregnancy?
The CDC confirms secondhand smoke exposure during pregnancy causes small reductions in birth weight and may raise the risk of preterm delivery. It is one more reason both partners’ smoking status matters during conception planning.
Where to Go From Here
If you or a partner smoke and are thinking about pregnancy, our Smoking & Vaping Cessation guide covers the categories of products and programs people use to quit. If you want to understand how virtual prescribing for cessation medication works, see our Telehealth for Smoking Cessation hub. For general education on respiratory health while quitting, visit COPD & Respiratory Wellness.
This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not diagnose or treat any condition, and is not a substitute for care from a licensed healthcare provider. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, talk with your doctor or midwife about your specific situation.