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Does vaping affect fertility?
Vaping may seem less harmful than smoking, and many people use it as a tool to help them stop smoking. However, it can affect your health and fertility more than you might realise. Although there hasn’t been extensive research on the safety of vaping and fertility, there are indications that it can impact sperm and egg quality, and delay conception.
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What is vaping?
Vaping involves small handheld devices (also known as e-cigarettes) that contain cartridges filled with nicotine, artificial flavourings, and various chemicals. Vapes can be used with or without nicotine. They may be harmful to your health because the liquids contain toxic chemicals that can damage your lungs. Some types of vapes contain nicotine even if they claim not to.
What is the difference between smoking and vaping?
Vaping is often considered to be safer than smoking cigarettes, but it can still cause health issues. The primary difference is that smoking delivers nicotine by burning tobacco, which can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer, lung disease, heart disease and stroke. In contrast, vaping delivers nicotine by heating an e-liquid, which contains numerous chemicals, flavouring compounds, particles and metals that are known to be harmful to health. These have the potential to impair male and female fertility.
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How does vaping affect fertility?
Vaping, including some nicotine-free ones, can affect fertility in several ways. These products contain harmful substances that can disrupt hormonal balance. Vaping can also reduce sperm count in men, as well as impair sperm function and structure, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. For women, vaping may decrease ovarian reserve and cause inflammation of the uterus lining, disrupting the implantation process and impacting the outcome of not just natural conception, but also via fertility treatments such as IVF and IUI.
Vaping may also impact the baby, due to the nicotine and other harmful chemicals by potentially causing low birth weight and premature birth. There is also some evidence that vaping may have negative effects on the fertility of the next generation. While some may argue that it can be safe, it is best to avoid smoking and vaping altogether.
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Can stopping vaping increase my chances of conception?
If you are planning on starting a family, it is best to quit to increase your chances of conceiving. Having healthy sperm and eggs is vital for conception, and vaping may influence this. Although there isn’t enough research to back this up, it is best to avoid vaping to keep you and your baby safe.
It’s important to understand that there are other factors that can also influence your chances of conception, including lifestyle choices, medical history and more importantly, age.
What if I find it difficult to quit?
If you are finding it difficult to stop vaping or smoking during pregnancy, licensed nicotine replacement therapy products such as patches and gum during pregnancy are the recommended option to help. However, while these are considered safer, it is important to speak to your doctor or fertility clinic before using any products.
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Reviewed by Ishola Agbaje, Medical Director at TFP Belfast Fertility.
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