(Image credit: Future)
In the same way that smoking, even occasionally, affects women’s fertility, it also has an impact on male fertility by reducing sperm count, motility and quality. The good news is that there are a lot of tests available to check on sperm count and quality and that quitting smoking can improve your fertility.
How smoking impacts male fertility
- Sperm quality - Professor Nelson says: “The chemicals in cigarette smoke can lead to DNA damage in sperm, increase the prevalence of abnormal sperm shapes (teratozoospermia), and decrease the ability of sperm to swim efficiently (asthenozoospermia). This can significantly impair the chances of successful fertilisation and embryo development.” The 2023 study mentioned above found a “signicant decrease” in sperm motility in men with high nicotine levels. This will affect men who smoke cigarettes or vapes.
- DNA damage - Studies have shown that smoking can cause DNA fragmentation in sperm which can be caused by the carcinogens and heavy metals such as lead and mercury that are found in cigarettes. This damage to the sperm’s DNA can lead to problems with fertilisation and embryo development and lead to an increased risk of miscarriage.
- Hormonal effects - Studies seem to show conflicting results when it comes to the impact of smoking on men’s testosterone levels. However, there’s evidence that smoking causes a drop in the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) which plays an important role in transporting testosterone around the body.
Studies have also shown that tobacco and nicotine can impair testicle function and erectile functions because it causes vasoconstriction, which is when blood vessels are narrowed and blood flow is restricted.
It is worth noting that this damage is not always permanent and that it can be reversed if smoking is stopped before middle age (age 50) and is not restarted again.
How vaping impacts male fertility
As we said above, vapes and e-cigarettes contain toxins which can affect your fertility. NHS GP Dr Maryam Hasan, who also works at online doctor and pharmacy website MedExpress, says: “Observations have suggested that non-smokers typically have a sperm count of around 147 million, whereas daily e-cigarette users average 91 million sperm - a 38.1% reduction. Beyond fertility concerns, there are also troubling links between vaping and other male health issues, such as erectile dysfunction, with reports indicating a 20.7% prevalence among daily e-cigarette users.”
8 ways to quit smoking
- 1. Set a quit date and prepare mentally - Quitting smoking is a physical and mental challenge so you need to make sure you’re doing it at a time when you’re most likely to be successful. If you’re already stressed with work or other issues you may not be able to manage the cravings or have the willpower needed. Choosing a date and sticking to it could be a good way of making sure you’re prepared. You could also tell your friends and family what you’re doing so they can support and encourage you.
- 2. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - NRTs can really help you with your withdrawal symptoms and are popular because they give you the nicotine you crave but without the other harmful chemicals cigarettes contain. They include products such as patches, gum, lozenges and sprays. Your doctor or a pharmacist will be able to advise you about which ones you can get over-the-counter or on prescription.
The NHS recommends using a combination of these aids. You could wear a patch which releases nicotine slowly into your system, while a fast-acting product like a gum will help you manage your immediate cravings. As the cravings ease you can start to reduce the dose of the NRTs you use. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should speak to your GP before using them. - 3. Read a self-help book - There are a lot of stop smoking self-books you can choose from so you may need to try a few to find one you like. One example is Allen Carr’s book The Easy Way to Stop Smoking which was first published in 1985 and features his Easyway method. It is controversial and of course won’t work for everyone but could contain some useful tools and tips on how to cut down and eventually quit.
- 4. Try counselling - Your GP will be able to advise you on local, free stop smoking support services and refer you if necessary. These services could range from one-to-one support to groups and drop-in services. You may also be able to join virtually if you can’t get there in-person. To find out more about what’s available in your local area you can call the free Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044.
- 5. Stay active - Exercise releases endorphins which will make you feel happy and positive and moving your body will distract you from your cravings. Dr Hasan says: “Incorporating more physical activity in your lifestyle can reduce cravings and help with withdrawal symptoms. Keeping your mind and body active during those crucial first few weeks will ease the transition away from vaping (and smoking).”
- 6. Identifying and avoiding smoking triggers - Dr Hasan says: “Spotting the triggers that lead you to vaping is a crucial step in reducing your consumption. Common triggers include stress, specific environments and routines (ie. social media scrolling). Once you have worked out these triggers, they can be managed with healthier coping strategies. For instance, trying relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises to effectively manage stress, reducing your desire to vape.”
- 7. Prescription medications to help quit smoking - The NHS says there are three types of prescription-only medications which come in tablet form and don’t contain nicotine but can help with your withdrawal symptoms. They can be taken in conjunction with other stop smoking aids such as patches. Speak to your doctor or local stop smoking service to see if these pills are suitable for you.These may include - Bupropion (brand name Zyban), Varenicline (brand name Champix) or Cytisine
- 8. Keep motivation high by setting goals - A lot of us are guilty of spending too much time on our phones but one positive of these devices is that they can also offer you support at any time of day or night. A stop smoking app can give you encouragement, tips and tools to help keep you on track and motivated to quit for good. Seeing a counter showing how many days you’ve been smoke-free for is a huge incentive for keeping going. There are a number of apps you can try, such as NHS SmokeFree, Quit Genius and Stoptober.
