Tobacco
Combustion, cadmium, carbon monoxide
🟢 A link with fertility is documented by numerous, converging human studies, endorsed by health authorities.
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In brief
Smoking and fertility: this page reviews Tobacco (Combustion, cadmium, carbon monoxide) — documented mechanism, everyday exposure situations and possible alternatives. Level of evidence: Established.
- Where it's found
- Cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, shisha, secondhand smoke at home.
- Suspected mechanism
- Reduced ovarian reserve and accelerated ovarian aging in women; altered sperm count, motility, and DNA in men.
- Suggested alternative
- This is the most cost-effective lever. Free support is available (Tabac info service, 39 89 in France).
- Source
- WHO; ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology), lifestyle and fertility guidelines.
Frequently asked questions
Tobacco: how is it linked to infertility?
Reduced ovarian reserve and accelerated ovarian aging in women; altered sperm count, motility, and DNA in men.
Where is Tobacco found in everyday life?
Cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, shisha, secondhand smoke at home.
How can exposure to Tobacco be reduced?
This is the most cost-effective lever. Free support is available (Tabac info service, 39 89 in France).
What is the level of evidence for Tobacco?
Established. A link with fertility is documented by numerous, converging human studies, endorsed by health authorities.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
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Related factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026