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How Quitting Smoking Affects Fertility
Smoking Cessation Guides
Smoking affects fertility in both men and women through multiple mechanisms. Here is what the evidence shows about smoking's fertility effects and what improves after quitting.
Both
Smoking Affects Fertility in Men and Women
Reversal
Most Fertility Effects Improve After Quitting
Pregnancy
Additional Risks, Smoking During Pregnancy Carries Serious Consequences
Smoking and fertility
How Smoking Affects Fertility: and What Changes After Quitting
Smoking reduces fertility in both sexes through distinct mechanisms
Quitting improves fertility markers within months
Smoking has well-documented negative effects on fertility in both men and women. In women, smoking is associated with reduced ovarian reserve, disrupted hormone levels, impaired egg quality and earlier onset of menopause. In men, smoking reduces sperm count, sperm motility and sperm morphology while increasing DNA fragmentation in sperm cells. Both sets of effects are partially reversible after quitting, with improvements in fertility markers appearing within months of cessation.
Male and female effects
How Smoking Affects Fertility in Men and Women
Smoking and Female Fertility
Research has found that female smokers take significantly longer to conceive than non-smokers, with some studies finding rates of conception per cycle approximately 40 percent lower in smokers. The mechanisms include: reduced ovarian reserve (fewer viable eggs), disrupted oestrogen levels from nicotine-mediated hormone changes, impaired fallopian tube function from cilia damage, and reduced implantation rates even when conception occurs. Smoking also brings forward the onset of menopause by one to four years on average, shortening the fertility window.
Smoking and Male Fertility
Male smokers have lower sperm counts, reduced sperm motility and higher rates of abnormal sperm morphology compared to non-smokers. Oxidative stress from tobacco combustion products causes DNA fragmentation in sperm cells, which affects fertilisation success and early embryo development even when pregnancy does occur. These effects are dose-dependent, heavier smokers show more severe impairment.
Smoking During Pregnancy
The fertility effects of smoking extend into pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, placental complications, premature birth, low birth weight and stillbirth. These risks are present from the first trimester and are dose-dependent. Stopping before conception or as early in pregnancy as possible produces the greatest benefit. The NHS provides dedicated free support for pregnant women who want to stop smoking.
Recovery After Quitting
Most fertility effects of smoking are partially reversible after cessation. Sperm quality begins improving within three months of stopping in men (reflecting the 72-day sperm production cycle). Hormone levels and ovarian function begin recovering in women. Conception rates improve progressively after cessation. For couples trying to conceive, both partners stopping smoking is one of the most impactful fertility interventions available.
If you are trying to conceive and smoking, discuss stopping with your GP. If you are pregnant, stopping all nicotine use is the strongly recommended approach, speak to your midwife.
Best Vape For Heavy Smokers
Quitting Is the Most Impactful Fertility Intervention Available: Find Your Vape Kit
For non-pregnant individuals, switching to vaping removes combustion exposure while supporting a gradual nicotine step-down.
Browse vape kits for heavy smokers at our best vape for heavy smokers collection.
From our Cessation Guides
Part of our Smoking Cessation guide
Smoking Cessation Guides
Our Smoking Cessation guide covers the full range of health effects of quitting, including fertility.
Find more cessation health guides in our Smoking Cessation guide.
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Every smoke-free day is better for your long-term health and fertility.