Several research studies have shown a link between cigarette smoking and fertility problems. Quitting smoking has been touted as an important step in enhancing fertility. But, that may not be enough. New research now shows a potential link between fertility issues and secondhand smoke.
A study conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center found women exposed to second hand smoke were significantly more likely to have trouble conceiving a baby than women with no exposure. According to researchers, this could be adult exposure or even exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood.
Approximately half the women in the secondhand smoke group were exposed to one or both parent’s smoking when they were children. Others were exposed in adulthood, often by a smoking partner living in the home. Both groups were affected by the exposure, even years later.
Researchers studies 4800 women, all of whom were non smokers. The women were divided in two groups, one exposed to secondhand smoke and the other not. The women exposed to second hand smoke were found to be 68% more likely to suffer from infertility problems than the other group of women.
In addition to fertility problems, the women who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to suffer miscarriage than women in the control group.
This is one more reason to avoid other people’s smoke and to ban all smoking from your home. If you smoke, quit. If your partner, friends, parents or visitors smoke, insist they do it outside and away from the house to prevent exposure. Since the problem seems to stem back to childhood, you are protecting your baby’s future fertility, in addition to her general health and well being.
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