AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 1/30/2008 Subject: Question about quitting and fertility
Question Hi, I have been smoking for many years and trying to conceive for 3 and 1/2. I finally got pregnant and our baby just recently passed away after three days in the NICU, and even though it wasn't determined to be true, for various reasons, I believe the issues with the pregnancy were because of my smoking so much. Anyway, it is for this reason that I want to quit. Now, my question might sound like an oxy-moron....I know that smoking has a bad effect on fertility, but does quitting smoking have a bad effect? In the sense that my body is so used to smoking, will quitting affect my cycles and make it harder to get pregnant again? I have tried to research, but can't find anything about it. Thanks.
Answer Dear Courtney,
I am terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your baby. I can't even imagine how that feels.
You are right that smoking has a negative effect on fertility. for women we think this is in part due to an increased rate of early miscarriage.
I don't know that anyone has studied the fertility of recent quitters. But nicotine also effects hormone levels. The physical effects of quitting on the body are actually minimal so by all means quit.
I'd suggest you read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful. You should also call 1-800-QUIT-Now and find out about resources in your state. Some states provide free therapy and telephone quitlines, and these are useful.
There are a number of new drug therapies that are highly effective. Talk to your doctor about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban. But you may not be able to take some of these while trying to conceive.
