With fertility problems rising across India, doctors are warning that smoking, alcohol, and vaping are silently damaging reproductive health in both women and men, and may be increasing the risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and even birth defects.

According to a PTI report, doctors from Motherhood Hospitals and Nova IVF Fertility say that while lifestyle factors like stress and age are widely recognised causes of infertility, many people overlook the harmful effects of these substances.

These are not just personal habits

Dr Anuja Thomas, consultant-obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, said, “These vices are often seen as personal choices, but they impact fertility as well. Many people believe that reducing or pausing these habits only when planning a pregnancy is enough.” She added that this assumption is dangerous, as the damage caused can be long-lasting.

“Smoking, drinking and vaping can harm reproductive organs, affect hormones, and even impact the health of future children,” she said.

Smoking and vaping affect both women and men

Dr Manju Gupta, senior consultant-obstetrician and gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, said, “In women, smoking speeds up the loss of eggs, damages the fallopian tubes and raises the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. It also harms the uterus, making it harder for the embryo to implant.”

“For men, smoking lowers sperm count and causes DNA damage in sperm, which may result in miscarriage or birth defects,” she added.

Passive smoking is also equally harmful, and many people wrongly believe that quitting just a few months before trying to conceive is enough to reverse the damage.

Vaping is not a safer option

Dr Neha Tripathi, fertility expert at Nova IVF Fertility in Delhi NCR, said vaping, like smoking, disrupts hormone balance and harms egg development. “Vaping is often considered safer, but it contains chemicals that damage the uterine lining and reduce egg quality,” she said.

Dr Tripathi also pointed out that alcohol affects ovulation and may cause hormonal imbalance in the long run, while smoking damages the fallopian tubes. For men, these substances reduce sperm count and testosterone levels, making conception difficult.

These habits increase cancer risk too

Dr Gaurav Jaswal, consultant in radiation oncology at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon, said the risks go beyond fertility. “Smoking, alcohol and vaping can damage DNA, lower immunity, and cause chronic inflammation. This can lead to various cancers in women, such as breast, cervical, oral and lung cancers,” he said.

Time to act early, not late

All the doctors PTI spoke to agreed on one thing: quitting these harmful habits early, not just when one is trying to conceive, is crucial for both reproductive and long-term health.

“Women should make informed choices and seek expert help to quit. It’s never too late, but the earlier the better,” said Dr Jaswal.

Inputs from PTI