S. Soares

Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, IVI Lisboa-Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 333-H, 1800-282 Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract

A strong body of evidence indicates that the negative effect of cigarette smoking on fertility comprises fairly every system involved in the reproductive process. The impact of cigarette smoking on ovarian reserve is clearly evidenced by younger age at menopause of smokers. Tobacco compounds’ impairment of the process of ovarian follicle maturation is expressed by worse in-vitro fertilization parameters in cycles performed on women with smoking habits. Also, uterine receptiveness and tubal function are significantly altered by the smoking habit. In men, cigarette smoking reduces sperm production, increases oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Spermatozoa from smokers have reduced fertilizing capacity, and embryos display lower implantation rates. Couples at reproductive age should be strongly discouraged to smoke.