Cigarette smoke: A silent factor affecting reproductive health

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- In the context of the increasing rate of infertility, especially in young couples, the impact of cigarette smoke on reproductive health is becoming a major concern of the health sector and the whole society. While cigarettes have long been associated with lung and cardiovascular diseases, few people know that the toxins in cigarette smoke cause many consequences for reproductive health. In order to provide a professional perspective, reporters of Lang Son Radio and Television Station had an interview with Master, Specialist II Doctor (MSc.BS CKII) Doan Anh Duc, Deputy Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Provincial General Hospital, about the little-noticed consequences of exposure to cigarette smoke.

PV: Doctor, many studies and practices show that infertility is on the rise, especially among young couples. From the actual medical examination and treatment, how do you assess the impact of cigarette smoke on reproductive health ?

MSc. CKII Doan Anh Duc: Through the process of medical examination and treatment, we have noticed that the rate of infertility and sterility is increasing, and it is worth mentioning that most of these couples are very young, even under 30 years old. There are many causes, but cigarette smoke is a silent factor that few people pay attention to. People often think that cigarettes are harmful to the lungs and the heart, but they do not realize that it strongly affects reproductive cells, both sperm and eggs.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of toxic substances, many of which can damage DNA, disrupt hormones and reduce fertility. What is more worrying is that not only active smokers are affected, but also those who inhale secondhand smoke at home, at work or in public places are at similar risk. Therefore, the health sector is particularly concerned about this issue, because it is directly related to the fertility and quality of the future generation.

PV: For men in particular, how does cigarette smoke affect reproductive health, doctor?

MSc., MD.CKII Doan Anh Duc: In men who smoke, the most obvious is a significant decrease in sperm quality. In cases of infertility, we have encountered many very young husbands with good general health, but when doing a semen analysis, the sperm is weak, has poor mobility or is deformed, and the cause comes from a long-term smoking habit.

Nicotine and heavy metals in cigarette smoke damage sperm DNA and reduce testosterone levels. Over time, men may experience erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. Many husbands think that smoking just one cigarette will not affect their wives and children. But in reality, just one cigarette in a closed room can cause the person sitting next to them to inhale nearly half of the toxic smoke. Therefore, the wife or young children who inhale their husband's cigarette smoke suffer the same consequences as the smoker.

PV: For women, what effects can cigarette smoke have on reproductive health and pregnancy?

MSc. Dr. Doan Anh Duc: Cigarette smoke can disrupt ovulation, reduce ovarian reserve and reduce estrogen levels. In fact, we have encountered many cases where couples came to see a doctor for infertility treatment, the wife was completely healthy but had to inhale secondhand smoke because her husband smoked in the house for many years. When they decided to quit smoking, only a few months later they had good news.

For pregnant women, if they are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke, the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight or birth defects will be higher. Children born are also susceptible to respiratory, ear-nose-throat diseases or have a risk of slow physical and mental development. This has a long-term impact on children's health and population quality, so it is worth families' attention and prevention.

PV: Many people believe that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products are “less harmful” than traditional cigarettes. From a professional perspective, how do doctors assess the impact of these products on reproductive health?

MSc., MD.CKII Doan Anh Duc: Many young people, even women, think that new generation cigarettes are not harmful. But in reality, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, ultra-fine particles and harmful chemicals. These small particles go straight into the lungs, penetrate the blood and affect hormones, reducing egg and sperm quality similar to traditional cigarettes. In other words, no type of cigarette is safe for reproductive health, whether it is e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or traditional cigarettes.

PV: From the reality of medical examination and treatment, what recommendations do doctors have for couples , especially young people preparing to get pregnant , to proactively prevent and raise public awareness about this issue?

MSc., MD.CKII Doan Anh Duc: In reality, medical examination and treatment show that many young couples have to struggle with infertility treatment just because of smoking habits in the family. Cigarette smoke not only directly affects the health of smokers but also negatively impacts the fertility of both men and women, especially when exposed in closed spaces.

I always advise couples not to smoke indoors or in closed spaces to avoid harming loved ones, especially children; if planning to get pregnant, both husband and wife should stop smoking at least 3 months before to give the body time to recover; at the same time, do not be subjective with electronic cigarettes because they still contain many substances that are harmful to fertility. Proactively saying no to cigarettes, keeping the living environment clean - that is the most practical way to protect health, family happiness and children's future.

PV: Thank you very much, doctor!

Source: https://baolangson.vn/khoi-thuoc-la-tac-nhan-am-tham-anh-huong-den-suc-khoe-sinh-san-5064150.html