Smoking and Trying to Conceive

Most couples know that smoking while pregnant can lead to pregnancy complications, birth defects, and increased risk of miscarriage. For these reasons, most women who smoke plan to quit when they become pregnant. However, smoking while trying to conceive can also have disastrous effects on both male and female fertility and increase a couple’s time to conception.

Smoking and female fertility

A group of studies has found that female smokers are 60% more likely than nonsmokers to be infertile. They are also 42% more likely to have conception take more than a year. This is because smoking accelerates ovarian death, which means depleting your supply of eggs and leaving your existing eggs more fragile. Female smokers generally go through menopause 1-4 years earlier than nonsmokers for this reason.

Smoking and male fertility

Smoking also affects sperm at the most basic level: sperm’s DNA. Chemicals from smoking circulate through your body and can bind with the sperm’s DNA, decreasing sperm motility. Smoking has also been linked to lower sperm counts and erectile dysfunction. All of these make fertilization and conception more difficult.

Quitting and its benefits for fertility

The good news is that quitting can help your chances of conceiving quite quickly. Your natural fertility is likely to improve within two months of quitting, and the negative effects may be reversed within a year. For women, quitting smoking before conceiving also ensures a healthier pregnancy. It’s important to note that second-hand smoke has similar negative effects on fertility. So if both members of a couple smoke, it’s important for both of them to quit. And if you live in a household with other smokers, you may want to consider moving or make arrangements to minimize exposure to second-hand smoke.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smoking affect my chances of getting pregnant?

Yes, smoking significantly impacts female fertility. Research shows that women who smoke are 60% more likely to experience infertility and 42% more likely to take over a year to conceive. Smoking accelerates the loss of eggs and can bring forward menopause by 1-4 years, so quitting before trying to conceive is strongly recommended by the NHS.

Can smoking affect male fertility and sperm quality?

Absolutely. Smoking damages sperm DNA, reduces sperm motility, and has been linked to lower sperm counts and erectile dysfunction. These factors can make fertilisation more difficult, which is why the NHS advises both partners to stop smoking when trying to conceive.

How long after quitting smoking will my fertility improve?

The good news is that fertility can start to improve within two months of quitting smoking, and many of the negative effects may be reversed within a year. Stopping smoking before conception also helps ensure a healthier pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications.

Will the NHS refuse fertility treatment if I smoke?

Many Clinical Comm

issioning Groups (CCGs) require both partners to be non-smokers before funding IVF or other fertility treatments on the NHS. NICE guidelines recommend that women should be informed about how smoking affects fertility and IVF success rates, and most clinics will ask you to quit before starting treatment.

Does secondhand smoke affect fertility when trying to conceive?

Yes, exposure to secondhand smoke can have similar negative effects on both male and female fertility. If your partner smokes or you live with smokers, this passive exposure could be impacting your chances of conception, so it's worth discussing this with your household.

Where can I get help to stop smoking before TTC in the UK?

The NHS offers free stop smoking services across the UK, including local support groups, one-to-one counselling, and access to nicotine replacement therapies. You can speak to your GP or visit the NHS Smokefree website to find support near you, which can significantly boost your chances of conceiving.

How does smoking affect IVF success rates?

According to the HFEA, smoking can reduce IVF success rates by up to 50%. Women who smoke typically need more ovarian stimulation during treatment and may produce fewer eggs. Given that 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, eliminating smoking is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to improve your chances.