Vaping has gained popularity over the years owing to the belief that it is less harmful than smoking. However, studies say otherwise.
Vaping not only causes infertility in women but also in men.
The vaporized nicotine inhaled through electronic cigarettes contains many compounds found in traditional tobacco. And the effects it has on human fertility are not much different from conventional smoking.
Does Vaping Cause Infertility?
- Vaping harms fertility by affecting reproductive health, semen quality, and ovulation.
Vaping does cause infertility. Data from studies conducted on animals exhibit that vaping harms reproductive health.
The nicotine present in vape juices is addictive and impedes health a lot. It disrupts the functions of human reproductive organs.
Both paternal and maternal smoking harms reproductive health. Paternal smoking is associated with a reduced success rate of IVFs. Vaping can also adversely change semen quality. Maternal smoking also reduces implantation success rates and affects ovulation and fetus development.
How Vaping Affects Female Fertility
- Vaping hinders embryo implantation, reduces egg count, and leads to early menopause and ectopic pregnancies.
The chief issue of vaping with female fertility is the problem of embryo implantation. The chemicals propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin present in vape juice induce miscarriages, reduced egg count in the ovaries, and inflammation of the uterus. Implantation of fertilized embryos is unsuccessful with an inflamed uterus. The inflammation of the uterine line affects both natural and assisted implantation.
Vaping causes delayed egg production and fertilization. Vaping also causes early menopause and ectopic pregnancy. Inhalation of second-hand smoke at high levels also causes early menopause in women.
How Vaping Affects Male Fertility
Vaping can cause decreased sperm count in men. The morphology, quality, and motility of sperm also undergo adverse changes due to nicotine. The quality and motility of sperm play a crucial role in determining the success rate of impregnation. Lower quality sperms result in infertility.
The chemicals found in vape juice also disrupt hormones increasing the risk of infertility.
Reports And Studies About Vaping And Infertility
- E-cigarette chemicals disrupt fertility and sperm health, with certain vape flavours worsening reproductive issues.
The Journal of Endocrine Society stated in October 2019 that nicotine along with other compounds present in e-cigarettes disrupts female fertility and fetus growth. The researchers exposed mice to nicotine and other e-cigarette chemicals and observed that the mice had disruptions in embryo implantation.
The researchers at the University College of London studied the association between vapor flavoring substances and fertility in 2017. They found that there existed an inverse relationship between the cinnamon flavor of the vape juice and sperm motility. The bubblegum-flavoured vape juice was found to destroy testicular cells.
A December 2017 article published in the National Library of Medicine found that nicotine and other toxins present in vape smoke alter the morphology of the sperm cells and suppress sperm production leading to male infertility in adolescent male rats. Another study conducted on rats and published in the same forum found that on exposure to vape refill liquid, the rats’ testosterone levels decreased along with sperm quality and quantity.
Quit When Trying To Get Pregnant
- Quitting vaping improves fertility and increases chances of successful embryo implantation.
Even if you have been vaping all the while you can still quit smoking when trying to conceive a child or if you are undergoing any of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) fertility treatments. This may create a chance for successful embryo implantation and healthy fetus development.
Fortunately, the effects of smoking on germ cells are reversible. The International Journal of Impotence Research International Journal of Impotence published in August 2022 found that infertile men produced more sperm three months after quitting smoking.
Yet it is better to quit smoking earlier and altogether as it will improve your health and your fetus’ health.
How To Quit Smoking And Vaping
- Quitting smoking and vaping is achievable through exercise, stress management, support systems, and celebrating small milestones.
Quitting smoking can be hard but the benefits that ensue are enormous. Initiatives to quit addictive habits such as smoking and vaping may turn futile most of the time. Yet where there is a will there is a way and quitting vaping is also possible.
Here are a few habits that you can practice to quit smoking and vaping:
Exercise
Exercise is a great way to take tension off your body. Many times you may have felt tempted to vape to relieve stress. Instead, focus on exercising which is also a constructive way to release stress.
Also, exercising can help you maintain a healthy body with an urge to give up unhealthy habits.
Distraction
Distracting yourself with other activities when the temptation to vape arises is a good initiative as well. Engage yourself in an activity that interests you the most.
Support System
Having someone hold you accountable for the habit of vaping is an excellent choice. It may be your family or friends in whom you can confide. Professionals and certain institutions also provide support systems for weaning off from vaping.
Find Stress Solutions
Whenever the urge to vape arises due to stress divert yourself to other healthy habits. Other stress-relieving solutions such as meditation, light reading, journaling, and playing would also help. Taking a stroll, talking to friends, and simply taking a deep breath will help. Identify the act that decreases your stress the most and incorporate it into your lifestyle.
Celebrate Accomplishments
Tracking and celebrating little victories can push you forward in your vaping quitting journey. Track your journey using any application or journal and treat yourselves to your travel milestones.
Conclusion
Maybe vaping is safer than smoking. But it is not harm-free. And the effects vaping has on both male and female fertility is alarming. There is nothing as “healthy vaping” and it is wiser to quit vaping if you have decided to procreate.
If you ever confront yourself in an addicted state to vaping, move every possible muscle to bring yourself accountable to any of your well-wishers and attempt to put an end to this destructive habit.
Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance as well.
Couples planning on pregnancy and have the habit of vaping consult your fertility doctor if suffering from infertility.
Need help? Contact a fertility doctor to address your issue.
