The decision to have a baby is an exciting time in many couple's lives. Most couples assume that if they stop using birth control, they will become pregnant, nine months later they will have a little bundle of joy and all live happily ever after. However, according to MayoClinic.com, 10 to 15 percent of couples face infertility in the United States alone, and many of them have no idea that what they may be doing could be contributing to their difficulty conceiving.
Infertility
MayoClinic.com defines infertility as the inability to get pregnant over a course of a year while having frequent, unprotected sex. Either the man or the woman may be infertile, however in some couples, both the man and woman may be infertile.
Effects of Smoking on Conception
According to Chantixhome.com, smoking in men causes a reduction in sperm production, making conception more difficult. Smoking also decreases testosterone levels. When a man smokes, toxic chemicals are released into his bloodstream and make their way into the semen, increasing the chances that the man will be infertile. When women smoke, the quality of their eggs decreases dramatically. Smoking also causes a change in consistency of cervical mucus, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.
Considerations
According to AttainFertility.com, an important factor to remember is that even secondhand smoke can make conceiving a baby difficult. The BlueCross BlueShield Association website says that in a recent study of over 4,800 women, researchers have found that women who grew up in a home where the parent smoked, have a harder time conceiving than those who grew up in a non-smoking home.
Benefits of Quitting
The good news is, according to AdvancedFertility.com, once you quit smoking, fertility drastically improves. Other benefits of quitting smoking are: decrease in risk of heart attack and stroke, your lungs will heal and you will no longer have smoker's cough, your overall energy will increase, you will be able to taste and smell better, you will no longer smell like smoke and your skin will look younger.
Solution
Quitting smoking is not an easy feat. It will take patience, commitment and self-control. However, the benefits of quitting definitely outweigh the drawbacks, especially if that means you get to hold a brand-new baby in your arms. Talk to your doctor about quitting, as there are options available to you. Also, joining a support group and surrounding yourself with other people who are trying to quit may be beneficial.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Infertility
- ChantixHome.com: Smoking and Infertility
- BCBS.com: Second-Hand Smoke Tied to Fertility Problems
- AdvancedFertility.com: Smoking Tobacco and the Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Fertility, Infertility and IVF Success
- AttainFertility.com: Home » Fertility Research Center » Infertility Problems » Prevention 5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Infertility
