Women who quit smoking may have a 25% lower infertility risk than continuing smokers, it said.
Tobacco use is linked to infertility in women as well as poorer sperm quality and sexual function in men, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) report, which further warned that second-hand smoke may also affect fertility.
The report highlighted evidence that tobacco use is associated with potentially lower chances of success for some fertility treatments.
It said that evidence on newer products, including e-cigarettes, waterpipes, and smokeless tobacco, is still emerging, stating that while evidence is strongest for cigarette smoking, other tobacco and nicotine products may also pose risks to fertility and require further research.
For people using fertility treatment, tobacco smoking may reduce the chance of success. The publication cites earlier research from 21 studies, showing that cigarette smoking was linked to fewer live births and fewer pregnancies following assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilisation, with findings suggesting that the chances of successful outcomes may be roughly halved by cigarette smoking.
