No Smoking Day: Passive Smoking And Its Impact On Reproductive Health – News18
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Tobacco smoke can also change the DNA of eggs, potentially leading to genetic mutations and fertility complications
Harmful smoke leads to hormonal imbalance, reduces the chances of successful implantation of fertilised eggs, and increases the risk of early pregnancy loss
Passive smoking, second-hand smoking or breathing other people’s tobacco smoke is often overlooked in comparison to regular smoking. However, it has a detrimental effect on one’s overall health, including reproductive health, in both men and women. Dr Kanika Sharma, IVF Specialist at Birla Fertility & IVF, West Delhi shares all you need to know:
In women, harmful smoke leads to hormonal imbalance, reduces the chances of successful implantation of fertilised eggs, and increases the risk of early pregnancy loss. It may also make it difficult for sperm to reach the eggs, and even if it does, they may not be able to fertilise them. Tobacco smoke can also change the DNA of eggs, potentially leading to genetic mutations and fertility complications. In young girls, it may trigger early puberty, and in women, it can cause early menopause.
In men, second hand smoking can lead to an obstruction in the reproductive system by hindering the necessary enzymes that enable the testes to produce sperm. It also affects sperm DNA, resulting in abnormal sperm morphology, reduced motility, and lower concentration, thereby decreasing the chances of an egg being fertilised. Even if fertilisation occurs, the chances of miscarriage and congenital birth defects are higher.
Given these alarming consequences, educating the public about the negative impacts of passive smoking is crucial. Avoiding second-hand smoking, particularly in the reproductive age, is essential to maintain fertility and quality of life for future generations.
