Does Vaping Affect Fertility in Males?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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If you're looking to get pregnant, it's a good idea to stop smoking or switch to vaping. E-cigarettes are often less addictive than cigarettes, and they contain less nicotine than cigarette smoke. Still, quitting the habit isn't easy, so be sure to look for support in a community. Consult with a healthcare provider if quitting smoking isn't an option for you.
Negative effects of vaping on sperm production
A recent study from Denmark suggests that regular vaping can reduce male sperm count. This is in line with a study conducted at the University College London, which found that chemicals found in e-flavours could negatively affect sperm. Those concerned should avoid vaping altogether, according to the British Fertility Society. Other factors that may affect sperm production include smoking, e-cigarette use, excessive drinking, and using steroids.
Cigarette smoke contains more than four thousand chemicals that adversely affect human health. Nicotine is one of these chemicals. Cigarette smoke also lowers testosterone levels and impairs male fertility. Nicotine also affects sperm motility, viability, and the percent of abnormal sperm morphology. It can also cause erectile dysfunction. But even if the negative effects of vaping on male fertility are minimal, their potential impact must be considered.
However, cigarette smoking has been associated with decreased sperm counts, and vaping has not been found to be significantly different. But one recent study from the Journal of Human Reproduction has found an association between daily e-cigarette use and lower sperm counts. The study examined a group of 2008 men (median age 19) who underwent vaping before conception. The men gave blood and semen samples and completed a questionnaire about their lifestyle. Researchers concluded that daily e-cigarette users had a significantly lower sperm count than non-users.
The researchers also noted that nicotine exposure increased the risk of abnormal sperm morphology. Additionally, nicotine and cotinine significantly reduced sperm motility. Furthermore, animal studies also found that nicotine and cotinine significantly reduced the size of the pups in mice with a copulatory plug. However, the results were inconsistent. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Although the research on the effects of vaping on male fertility is limited, it is clear that it is harmful to men's physical health. While the long term effects of vaping are unknown, there are several factors to consider. Nicotine, found in vapour, has been linked to sperm characteristics that negatively affect male fertility. Studies from the University of London and the British Fertility Society have shown that nicotine has a negative impact on sperm health.
Low sperm counts
While there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that vaping causes low sperm counts, there is evidence to support the hypothesis. In a recent study, researchers looked at reproductive hormone levels in both young men and their semen. In general, men who use e-cigarettes have lower sperm counts than those who do not. This is particularly relevant if vaping is associated with a low sperm count.
During the study, researchers observed that nicotine significantly affected both morphology and sperm count. In addition, smokers had significantly elevated seminal cotinine levels compared to nonsmokers. Semen quality was also lower than that of non-smokers. This was due to reduced sperm motility. Those who had vaping during pregnancy were at a higher risk of a male child being born with low sperm count.
➡️READ: Natural treatments for male infertility
According to the study, vapes containing THC and "unknown sources" are linked to low sperm counts. Some flavors of "vape juice" also affect sperm. Cinnamon and bubblegum flavors were associated with decreased motility in sperm and damaged testicles. These changes to lifestyle have been linked to many diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. These effects could have negative impacts on future pregnancy prospects.
Heavy smokers also tend to have lower sperm density. Smokers have lower sperm counts than nonsmokers. In addition to low sperm count, vaping has been linked to other problems, including cardiovascular disease, lung disorder, and erectile dysfunction. However, there is not enough evidence to back these conclusions. But they do suggest that smoking does impact sperm quality.
Nicotine-only vaping
While the long-term effects of nicotine-only vaping on male fertility are still unknown, there's no doubt that it's bad. The chemicals in e-cigarettes and cigarettes contain hundreds of poisons that affect the reproductive organs. The effects on male fertility have been linked to reduced sperm motility, morphology, viability, and weight. Interestingly, studies have found that smoking tobacco may reduce fertility.
Researchers have linked the toxic effects of tobacco smoke with a range of health problems, including respiratory disease, poor sperm production, and heart disease. The use of e-cigarettes may have even more adverse effects, so consumers should stop using them if they want to conceive. Some states have also made it legal to sell e-cigarettes on prescription.
Smoking negatively impacts the reproductive systems of males and females. It reduces the concentration and motility of sperm, which is critical for fertilisation. Furthermore, the odd shape of sperm makes them difficult to swim. This results in a poor-quality egg.
There's no conclusive evidence to support the claim that nicotine-only vaping negatively affects male fertility. In addition, nicotine damages sperm membranes, interfering with the acrosome reaction, a critical fertility parameter that allows sperms to penetrate the egg membrane. Without this penetration, the sperm cannot reach the egg, where it will be fertilized and progress to embryo.
Moreover, secondhand smoke can affect the fertility of the female partner. Secondhand smoke from cigarette smoking can also adversely affect the male's reproductive system.
Toxic effects of e-cigarettes on sperm
While the effects of e-cigarettes on male fertility are not fully understood, there are several environmental factors that may contribute to decreased sperm count. Exposure to high concentrations of these toxins may affect the sperm's development and reproductive health, which in turn could have an impact on male fertility.
Research at the Baptist University of Hong Kong has confirmed a link between e-cigarette toxins and poor sperm production. This connection was enough for Hong Kong to consider banning the use of e-cigarettes. Toxic effects of e-cigarettes on fertility in males are now a major concern in the UK.
