Smoking Linked to Reduced Fertility in Men, Say Indian Health Experts

Recent studies confirm a direct link between tobacco use and declining sperm health, raising concerns over male fertility.

Smoking May Lower Chances of Fatherhood

New Delhi, April 18 — While cigarette smoking is widely recognized for increasing cancer risk, new research and medical insights reveal a lesser-known but serious impact: reduced male fertility. Recent studies have indicated that men who smoke regularly may experience a significant decline in sperm quality and overall reproductive health, making it harder for them to become fathers.

Speaking to the media, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover of CK Birla Hospital highlighted that long-term smoking affects both sperm count and motility. Harmful substances found in cigarettes—particularly nicotine and carbon monoxide—are responsible for damaging sperm cells. “Continued smoking severely compromises sperm function,” Dr. Grover explained.

Erectile Dysfunction and Hormonal Imbalance Also at Risk

Dr. Paresh Jain from Fortis Hospital also confirmed that smoking is a major contributing factor to erectile dysfunction (ED). He elaborated that chemicals in cigarettes constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis—one of the core physiological causes of ED. In addition, smoking has been linked to lower testosterone levels, which further impairs libido and sexual performance.

The damage doesn’t stop at physical function. Dr. Jain warned that smoking can also damage sperm DNA, posing risks not just to conception but also to fetal development and increasing the chances of miscarriage.

Experts Urge Men to Quit Smoking for Reproductive Health

Both doctors emphasized the importance of quitting smoking to preserve and improve fertility. “Smoking not only affects your overall health but directly harms your ability to conceive,” Dr. Jain stated. He recommends that men adopt healthier lifestyle habits and avoid tobacco to enhance their reproductive capabilities.

Smoking increases oxidative stress, which destroys sperm cells and reduces their viability. Experts underline that by giving up tobacco, men can substantially improve sperm quality and even reverse some of the damage over time.