WHO Links Smoking to Reduced Fertility in Men and Women
A World Health Organization review of global studies published between 2000 and 2026 finds tobacco use impairs reproductive health in both sexes.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Women’s Health
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The World Health Organization released a review of numerous studies carried out around the world, finding that tobacco use reduces fertility in men and women. Men who smoke are more likely than non-smokers to experience erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and abnormal sperm characteristics.
Why it matters
Infertility affects one in six people of reproductive age at some point in their lives, so factors that can be changed by individuals carry substantial public health weight. The findings add to the evidence that smoking affects reproductive outcomes well beyond general health.
The review draws on studies published between 2000 and 2026, with one in six reproductive-age people affected by infertility at some point. Evidence on newer nicotine products remains limited compared with findings on cigarettes.
The players
World Health Organization
The United Nations agency responsible for international public health, which issued the review on tobacco and fertility.
The details
The review found that male smokers are more likely than non-smokers to experience absence of sperm in the ejaculate, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Passive smoking was also found to negatively affect fertility, and smokers have reduced chances of success with certain fertility treatments.
Timeline
Studies reviewed were published between 2000 and 2026.
The WHO announced its fertility findings in October 2026.
Health Landscape
The WHO's tobacco research has long focused on cancer and cardiovascular disease, and this review extends that work into reproductive health. It shifts attention toward fertility as a measurable outcome of smoking in both sexes.
Smokers planning a pregnancy may face lower odds of success with fertility treatment, and quitting smoking is linked to a 25% reduction in women's infertility risk. Avoiding secondhand smoke also appears to protect reproductive health.
The takeaway
Quitting tobacco is one of the few fertility-related steps an individual can take that is supported by a global review. Reducing exposure to both active and passive smoke may improve reproductive outcomes for men and women alike.
Further reading
Explore more on Women’s Health for context on reproductive wellness and fertility.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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