Smoking is well known for its disadvantages on fertility. It can cause a reduction in sperm count and motility in men and reduced ovarian reserve and quality of eggs in women.
For couples who are undergoing IVF, smoking can reduce the chances of pregnancy. The toxins present in cigarettes can affect every stage of the reproductive process, starting from egg and sperm quality to the development of embryos and implantation.
This blog provides information regarding the importance of quitting smoking before going through the IVF process, how long before the procedure that smoking must be stopped, and the benefits of quitting smoking. By understanding these, couples can increase their chances of a successful IVF pregnancy.
Impact of Smoking on Fertility
Smoking can affect both female and male reproductive health in different ways. In women, it may cause a reduction in ovarian reserve that leads to reduced amounts of available eggs for fertilization. It can also affect the function of fallopian tubes, leading to an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy which should be avoided.
In men, smoking is related to the reduction of sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. All these factors combined can reduce the fertility outcome on the chances of natural pregnancy or through IVF.
The relationship between smoking and infertility is well known. Hughes et al. (2000) have identified that only 47% of infertile smokers and 14% of pregnant smokers are recognized to have a significant impact on fertility because of smoking. Along with that, over 31% of infertile patients were informed by doctors about the risks of smoking and their causes of reproductive health.
Smoking is related to various reproductive problems like early menopause, infertility, reduced fecundity rate, and lower success rate of IVF. In several studies, it has been identified that smokers have significantly lower chances of getting clinical pregnancy and live birth rates even with the help of IVF.
There is also a risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. The substances in cigarette smoke, like polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, can target various reproductive systems and cause harm at every stage of the process.
How Long Before IVF Should You Stop Smoking?
It is good if you could start smoking at least 4 months before getting pregnant, but stopping at any point helps.
Even low levels of smoking can affect the pregnancy and are harmful to your child. You also have a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. However, smoking fewer cigarettes does not reduce premature birth or low-weight birth risk.
Low-tar or low-nicotine cigarettes are also harmful to the baby as well as the mother. If you could stop smoking before you get pregnant, then the risk that is associated with it decreases.
There is also another study that states that it would be good if you could quit smoking about a month before trying to get pregnant. Generally, there should be no nicotine in your system during pregnancy.
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor that constricts blood vessels, including those in the placenta and baby. Smoking, as well as secondhand smoke, can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and other complications of pregnancy. There is also a possibility that they lower the odds of getting pregnant in the first place.
If the patients have stopped smoking several months before, it helps the body to detoxify and restore normal physiological function. The ovarian functions will be improved, the quality of eggs will be high, and the uterus will be more receptive to embryo implantation.
For men, stopping smoking will increase sperm count, motility, and overall health. These factors help improve the chances of a successful and healthy pregnancy.
Strategies to Quit Smoking Before IVF
It can be challenging to stop smoking, but various strategies can help in this process.
Nicotine replacement therapy
If you are trying to get pregnant, it is safe to undergo nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy only contains low levels of nicotine and has no other damaging chemicals present in cigarettes.
Some of the products in nicotine replacement therapy include,
- Patches
- Nicotine chewing gum
- Lozenges
- Inhalators
- Nasal or mouth spray.
Quit smoking tablets like Champix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion) during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult with the pharmacist or specialist about using nicotine replacement therapy products before pregnancy to stop smoking.
Liquorice-flavoured nicotine products
It is best to avoid liquorice-flavoured nicotine products if you are trying to get pregnant. Research has shown that excessive amounts of liquorice root can affect the development of the baby.
Is it too late to stop smoking if I am already pregnant?
No, it is never too late to stop smoking. Each day the child develops in the uterus without toxins from cigarette smoke can make a difference to the health of pregnancy and more.
Stopping smoking during the period of pregnancy can reduce the risk of the baby being ill in the first month of life. This does not mean that smoking in the first trimester is safe. The earlier you quit smoking, the healthier you and your child will be.
Guidelines from Medical Organizations on Smoking Cessation Before IVF
Some medical organizations like the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology have recommended that Individuals stop smoking before starting IVF treatment.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine has suggested stopping smoking at least 3 to 6 months before the IVF so it can help increase the chances of pregnancy.
These guidelines are mainly based on the extensive research that has shown that smoking cessation can lead to improvements in the outcomes of IVF and overall reproductive health.
Conclusion
It is always encouraged to stop smoking before undergoing IVF as it can help improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Smoking can affect reproductive health by reducing the fertility rate and decreasing the rates of healthy pregnancy.
If a person stops smoking before starting IVF, they can significantly improve the chances of pregnancy and ensure better health for themselves and for the future baby.
No, even low levels of smoking can harm your fertility and IVF outcomes.
No, even occasional smoking can harm IVF outcomes.
Yes, quitting can lead to better sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Yes, both partners should quit to maximize IVF success rates.
Yes, fertility specialists can provide support and resources for quitting.
Yes, smoking can disrupt hormone levels crucial for IVF success.
