Title: 
Puffing Your Way to Infertility

Word Count:
553

Summary:
The ill-effects of smoking to the circulatory and 

cardiovascular systems have been known for years. 

Smoking is one of the contributing factors in the 

development of ailments like emphysema, lung cancer, 

and many more. Recent studies suggest that this habit 

may play a key role in infertility among men and 

women.


Keywords:
smoking 


Article Body:
The harmful health effects of smoking has been 

documented for many years. It has been known that 

smoking is responsible for a number of ailments like 

bronchitis, high blood pressure, pneumonia, lung 

cancer, emphysema, and may actually shorten one's 

lifespan for up to 10 years. Smokers also increase 

the risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that 

weakens the bones, making them prone to breakage and 

other injuries. Recent studies show that smoking is 

probably one of the reasons why many couples are 

faced with fertility problems. 

A number of studies show that smoking is also a 

factor that affects sexual health.  Excessive 

cigarette use has been linked to difficulties in 

getting and maintaining an erection. Many toxins 

present in cigarettes, especially carbon monoxide, 

can damage the circulatory system.  The toxins from 

cigarettes hinder the flow of blood to and in the 

penis.  Blood circulation is necessary for attaining 

and maintaining an erection. Male smokers in their 

30s or 40s may increase the risk of having erectile 

dysfunction (ED) by almost 50 percent. Smoking 

damages the blood vessels and, specifically, the   

nicotine content of cigarettes narrows the arteries 

that carries blood to the penis. Reduced blood flow 

and pressure in in the penis may lead to erection 

difficulties. 

In addition, high blood pressure, an ailment that can 

be developed through smoking, may lead to low 

testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is a primary 

male hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual 

arousal. Low testosterone levels lead to decreased 

arousal and sexual performance. Toxins found in 

cigarettes may harm the testes. Smoking may affect 

the semen and the sperm, reducing their mobility and 

quality. Men who smoke tend to have lower sperm 

counts and malformed sperms than their non-smoking 

counterparts. 


Female infertility may also be damaged because of 

smoking. Medical studies suggest that many substance 

found in cigarettes may harm the ovaries. Studies 

show that women who smoke or have smoked in the past 

may encounter difficulties getting pregnant. The 

chances of conceiving may be decreased by up to 40 

percent each menstrual cycle. The longer a woman 

smokes, the more difficult it would be for her to get 

pregnant. The effects of smoking on sexual health 

have been taken for granted all these because the 

effects have been focused on the cardiovascular and 

circulatory system. 

Other health problems that can be encountered through 

smoking may include the following: 

•	bad breath 
•	stained teeth and gums
•	smelly clothes 
•	difficulty keeping up with friends with 

sports activities 
•	high blood pressure increased risk of 

developing cataracts 
•	acid taste in the mouth 
•	ulcer 
•	paler skin and more wrinkles 

Understanding the adverse effects of smoking on 

overall health may become a motivation for many to 

quit smoking. However, quitting smoking may be easier 

said than done. But because of modern technology, 

there are now various products and medications that 

are out in the market that are designed to help 

individuals quit smoking. These products may help a 

smoker cut the habit by making them more comfortable 

and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes. 

Many quit smoking products are available over the 

counter, it is best to seek the approval of health 

professionals to clarify side effects and drug 

interactions that may be developed while under 

medication. With the right tools and attitude, 

quitting smoking can be easier than others think.