Health
WHO connects smoking at any life stage to infertility risks
A new WHO report ties lifetime smoking to reproductive issues, according to The Hill.
The short version
- A World Health Organization report warns that smoking tobacco at any time in life can cause fertility problems, The Hill reports.[The Hill]
- The agency estimates that infertility affects 1 in 6 individuals across the globe.[The Hill]
- Quitting provides benefits, with former female smokers facing a 25 percent lower infertility risk than active smokers.[The Hill]
- The WHO indicated that further research is still needed to understand risks from e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.[The Hill]
Key facts
- The World Health Organization reported that smoking at any point during life can lead to fertility issues.[The Hill]
- The WHO calculates that 1 in 6 people worldwide experiences infertility.[The Hill]
- Former female smokers have a 25 percent lower risk of infertility compared to people who currently smoke.[The Hill]
What remains uncertain
- The health effects on fertility from e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, waterpipes, and other novel products remain unconfirmed and require further research.[The Hill]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.