A groundbreaking study highlights a significant concern for women who vape and are planning to conceive. Research conducted in the UK has found that vaping may have detrimental effects on fertility, suggesting that women should reconsider their vaping habits when trying to get pregnant.

Findings from the Study

The research, led by Dr Helen O’Neill, a lecturer in reproductive and molecular genetics at University College London and CEO of Hertility, analysed blood samples from 8,340 women. The findings revealed lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) among those who vape compared to non-vapers. AMH is a hormone that indicates the remaining egg supply in a woman’s ovaries, thus serving as a marker for fertility.

This comprehensive analysis, which included data from 325,000 women primarily in their 20s and 30s, showed that AMH levels were consistently lower across all age groups for individuals who vaped. Nearly a quarter of the participants attempting to conceive reported they vaped regularly or occasionally.

Dr O’Neill stressed the importance of quitting vaping for women aiming to get pregnant, advocating for clear guidance on lifestyle choices. She recommends abstinence from drinking, vaping, smoking, and drug use for those planning pregnancy. The study also shed light on lifestyle habits prior to conception, finding that 7% of women admitted to using recreational drugs, and 40% consumed alcohol on a weekly basis.

The implications of these findings are significant, especially with the rising nicotine addiction among young individuals. In response to growing health concerns, the government recently passed legislation banning smoking for anyone born after 2009 and introduced new restrictions on vapes, including a ban on the sale and supply of disposable vapes under environmental legislation.

This study serves as a critical reminder of the potential impacts of vaping on fertility and emphasises the need for awareness and lifestyle changes among those looking to start a family.

For more detailed information on this study, visit The Guardian.