Smoking may reduce chances of having a baby, WHO warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that smoking may reduce people's chances of conceiving and could harm fertility in both women and men. According to a knowledge summary published by WHO, tobacco use is associated with infertility in women, harmful effects on sperm and sexual function in men, and potentially lower chances of success with some fertility treatments.

The agency also warned that people who do not smoke themselves may face reproductive risks through exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke. WHO cited evidence from decades of research, stating that smoking may reduce the chances of conceiving for many people worldwide. Globally, one in six people of reproductive age will experience infertility at some point in their lifetime.

The WHO recommends that healthcare providers inform individuals and couples planning pregnancy about the reproductive risks associated with tobacco use and provide evidence-based support.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.