By Iram Saba
For years, we’ve heard about the dangers of smoking—lung disease, cancer, heart problems. But here’s something you may not have considered: if you’re a man who smokes, you could be increasing your partner’s risk of miscarriage.
It’s no secret that women are urged to quit smoking during pregnancy, but what about their partners? New research suggests that male smoking isn’t just bad for the man—it’s bad for the baby, too. And the numbers are alarming. Women whose partners smoke have a 23–30% higher risk of miscarriage than those with non-smoking partners.
So, why does male smoking impact pregnancy? And what can couples do about it?
How Male Smoking Harms Pregnancy
1. Damaged Sperm, Higher Risk
Cigarette smoke isn’t just bad for the lungs—it’s bad for sperm, too. Smoking introduces thousands of toxic chemicals into the body, damaging sperm at a genetic level.
Even if a man’s sperm manages to fertilize an egg, if that sperm carries DNA damage, the embryo may struggle to develop properly, leading to a higher chance of miscarriage. In other words, even if the pregnancy test is positive, smoking could be working against a healthy pregnancy from the start.
2. Lower Sperm Quality = Higher Pregnancy Risk
Smoking doesn’t just damage sperm, it also reduces sperm count and motility. Less sperm, weaker sperm, and misshapen sperm all mean lower chances of a successful pregnancy. And if conception does happen, an embryo formed from unhealthy sperm has a harder time surviving.
3. Secondhand Smoke is Just as Dangerous
Even if a woman doesn’t smoke, having a partner who does exposes her to secondhand smoke, which is loaded with harmful chemicals. Studies show that secondhand smoke can cause hormonal imbalances, restricted blood flow to the placenta, and increased inflammation all of which make pregnancy loss more likely.
4. Smoking Alters a Man’s Genes—And His Baby’s
Recent studies suggest that smoking causes epigenetic changes, meaning it can alter the way genes are expressed in sperm. These changes don’t just affect fertility; they can also pass down to the baby, increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and even long-term health issues for the child.
What Can Men Do to Help Protect Their Partner’s Pregnancy?
If you’re planning to start a family, quitting smoking should be just as important as taking prenatal vitamins or eating healthy. Here’s what you can do:
1. Quit Before You Try to Conceive
Doctors recommend that men stop smoking at least three months before trying for a baby. Why? Because it takes about 70–90 days for new sperm to develop. Quitting before conception allows the body to produce healthier, stronger sperm that are less likely to contribute to miscarriage.
2. Get Support to Quit
Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but the good news is, help is available. Whether it’s nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, or support groups, men who want to quit can find resources to help them succeed.
3. Be Aware of Secondhand Smoke
Even if you’re cutting back but not quitting completely, avoid smoking around your partner. Secondhand smoke is still harmful, and even occasional exposure can put a pregnancy at risk.
The Bottom Line
Men’s health matters when it comes to pregnancy. Smoking damages sperm, increases miscarriage risk, and can affect the long-term health of a future child. If you’re serious about starting a family, quitting smoking is one of the best gifts you can give your partner—and your baby.
- Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer. The author is a Tutor, IUST Awantipora
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
