Women who smoke tobacco have a 40% higher risk of infertility compared to those who do not smoke, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), reviewed by franceinfo. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular sexual activity without using contraception. The report compiles the latest scientific findings and highlights that quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk. Women who have stopped smoking have a 25% lower risk of infertility than those who continue to smoke, according to the data. Dr. Kerstin Schotte, a physician at the WHO, emphasized the importance of quitting smoking for those planning to conceive. "Quit smoking, improve your health, and also improve your reproductive health," she said. The report underscores that smoking affects not only women but also men. An analysis of 44 studies involving over 60,000 men found that smoking is linked to reproductive issues such as sperm abnormalities and sexual dysfunction. The WHO also warns that passive smoking—inhaling secondhand smoke—can affect fertility. This means that even non-smokers can face risks to their reproductive health if exposed to tobacco smoke. The organization notes that these risks apply to both men and women, making it a shared concern for couples trying to conceive. To address these issues, the WHO recommends that healthcare professionals discuss the impact of smoking on reproductive health with individuals and couples considering pregnancy. It also calls for the widespread implementation of support programs to help people quit smoking. These include providing brief cessation advice in all healthcare facilities, aiming to systematically assist smokers in improving their overall and reproductive health.