WHO report warns of link between smoking and infertility

( NewsNation ) — Smoking at any point in your life could cause fertility issues , according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO’s Tobacco Free Initiative issued the report , summarizing research linking tobacco smoking and infertility, with the agency citing decades of evidence.

The organization defines infertility as failing to get pregnant after 12 or more months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, estimating that 1 in 6 people globally suffers from infertility.

Evidence cited in the report includes links between tobacco use and infertility in women and smoking being harmful to sperm quality and sexual function in men.

Secondhand smoke can also affect fertility, broadening the risk to those who are not smokers themselves, the researchers found.

WHO suggests that quitting smoking may help, with women who smoked in the past having a 25 percent lower risk of infertility than those who are active smokers.

The report also showed that men who smoke were more likely to have erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation and issues such as poor sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape and an absence of sperm in semen.

Research also showed that smoking reduced the success rate of fertility treatments .

The WHO said evidence on e-cigarettes , smokeless tobacco, waterpipes or hookahs and other emerging products still requires more research.

The report recommends that medical professionals educate people on the risks of smoking and provide resources to help people who want to quit.