We know that smoking has adverse effects on male and female fertility, so what about vaping? Some believe that vaping is the safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. But could your vaping habit prove detrimental to your fertility? The fertility experts at the Reproductive Care Centre in Mississauga, Ontario discuss vaping and fertility.
Although the research on vaping is still relatively new, the findings so far are not looking good for your health if you vape. In studying mice who were exposed to e-cigarettes, the female had reduced fertility function—they noticed delayed implantation of an embryo and effects on the developing fetus. Vaping while pregnant could cause your child to have lifelong health effects.
This study concluded that using e-cigarettes can make it harder to conceive, taking longer to get that positive pregnancy test we much desire, as well as affect fetal survival rate. Vaping may lead to metabolic, neurologic, pulmonary, and inflammatory consequences for the children born while the mother was vaping, meaning your babies could be at a higher risk of stunted growth or metabolic disorders. Male children that were exposed to e-cigarettes in utero may also have slightly diminished reproductive health. While female children were more likely to be smaller for their age.
It should also be noted that e-cigarettes still use nicotine. And nicotine can affect a male’s fertility by decreasing sperm count and motility. So vaping is not recommended for men or women looking to grow their family.
More research is sure to come with the ever-increasing popularity of e-cigarettes. For now, the reproductive specialists at RCC fertility clinic are recommending to quit vaping before you even begin trying to get pregnant, as the studies have shown negative effects both before conceiving, as well as during pregnancy. For questions or to schedule a fertility consultation, contact us today!