Could Vaping Be Harming Women’s Fertility? What the Latest Research Reveals

With the long-term health effects of vaping still emerging, many are questioning whether this popular habit could impact women’s reproductive health. From colourful, flavoured vapes filling our streets to increasing usage rates among younger women, could the trend pose a risk to fertility and hormonal health?

The Link Between Vaping, Fertility, and Hormones

As we age, hormone levels and fertility naturally decline. However, lifestyle factors, including nicotine use, play a critical role in reproductive health. Traditional cigarettes are known to harm reproductive organs, but the impact of vaping remains less clear.

Though vaping is often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, it still contains nicotine, and new evidence suggests it may impact fertility. According to a 2023 study in Life, chemicals in e-cigarettes can oxidise when heated, potentially leading to toxic effects on reproductive health. The study notes that while e-cigarettes contain fewer toxins than traditional cigarettes, the potential risks to both male and female fertility remain concerning.

Rising Popularity Among Young Women

Vaping has surged in popularity, particularly among young people. A report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows the number of UK vapers has risen from 800,000 in 2012 to 5.6 million in 2024. The prevalence is highest among 16–24-year-olds, with a notable jump in young women. This increase in popularity has many experts worried about long-term health impacts, especially for those who may eventually want children.

While research on vaping’s impact on fertility is limited, early studies indicate the chemicals and nicotine in e-cigarettes could impair reproductive functions. GP Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp explains that vaping increases oxidative stress—a harmful imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This oxidative stress can affect egg quality in women and increase sperm DNA fragmentation in men, both of which could impair fertility.

Studies Show Lower Ovarian Reserve in Vapers

A recent study by women’s health company Hertility measured blood anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels—a marker of ovarian reserve—in 8,340 women, including vapers and non-vapers. The results showed that women who vaped had lower AMH levels, particularly in the 36–40 age group. Lower AMH suggests fewer viable eggs, which could make natural conception more challenging as women age. Dr. Helen O’Neill, CEO of Hertility, stresses that this decrease in AMH is particularly concerning for women planning to have children later in life.

Women’s health expert Dr. Shirin Lakhani echoes the concern, suggesting that findings like these underscore the need for more government-funded research on vaping’s impact on fertility. “These results should sound alarm bells,” she says, noting that vaping’s effects on reproductive health are especially troubling given the rise in usage among young women.

Additional Risks to Embryo Health and Pregnancy Outcomes

In addition to potentially impacting fertility, vaping may also affect embryo health. Certain studies indicate that specific vape flavors may increase the risk of miscarriage, pre-term birth, and low birth weight. Dr. Misra-Sharp explains that nicotine and oxidative stress from vaping can weaken the uterine lining, making embryo implantation more difficult and potentially leading to higher miscarriage rates.

Research has also found a link between e-cigarette use and reduced success rates in IVF treatments. Studies show that women who vape or smoke produce fewer mature eggs and poorer quality embryos, which can hinder fertility treatments. For women seeking fertility assistance, many healthcare providers recommend quitting nicotine altogether, including vaping, as a precaution.

Reversing the Effects of Vaping on Fertility: Is It Possible?

Dr. Sami Almusawa, a fertility specialist, advises that the sooner women quit vaping, the better their chances of minimising any potential damage to fertility. While some effects may be reversible, damage to the ovarian reserve or genetic alterations in eggs may be harder to repair, depending on the duration and frequency of vaping.

Dr. O’Neill emphasises that for those hoping to conceive, quitting vaping is a good first step toward optimising fertility. Although many vapers conceive without issue, each person’s fertility journey is unique. As with all lifestyle choices, there is no guarantee that vaping will affect fertility, but avoiding nicotine can be a positive step for those trying to conceive.

Support for Quitting Vaping

Quitting vaping may be challenging, but there are resources available. Local smoking cessation services can provide support, and several apps, such as Smoke Free, offer tools and tips to help kick the habit.

While vaping has become increasingly common, particularly among younger women, the potential risks to reproductive health warrant careful consideration. If you’re planning to have children in the future, quitting now may help protect your fertility and hormonal health.

Note: Originally published in https://www.stylist.co.uk/