What is the Origin of Secondhand Smoke and Fertility?

This term is a public health and clinical fertility descriptor based on epidemiological and mechanistic studies detailing the impact of environmental toxins on reproductive biology. The focus shifted from direct smoking to passive exposure as the health risks of secondhand smoke became widely recognized. Research has confirmed the presence of smoke metabolites in ovarian and testicular fluids.

What is the Mechanism of Secondhand Smoke and Fertility?

The mechanism involves the systemic absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and cotinine, which act as endocrine disruptors and pro-oxidants. These toxins increase oxidative stress in the ovaries and testes, leading to DNA damage in oocytes and sperm, and accelerating follicular depletion. Furthermore, they can interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, disrupting the pulsatile release of GnRH and subsequently impairing ovulation and spermatogenesis.

Secondhand Smoke and Fertility ∞ Area

Secondhand Smoke and Fertility

Meaning

Secondhand Smoke and Fertility refers to the clinically established negative correlation between passive exposure to tobacco smoke and compromised reproductive capacity in both men and women. The involuntary inhalation of environmental tobacco smoke introduces toxic compounds that disrupt the delicate hormonal milieu and directly damage gametes and reproductive tissues. This exposure constitutes a modifiable environmental risk factor for infertility.