Dads and Fertility

When you are a dad, or when you and your partner want to have a baby there are so many reasons to go smokefree. Not only will you reduce the risk of impotence and decreased fertility levels, but you will also have a greater chance of enjoying good health for longer and watching your baby grow from a child to an adult.

Fertility and Pregnancy

Smoking affects fertility levels and can increase the risk of impotence. If you are a smoker, you may have fewer, less mobile sperm than a non-smoker.

It is estimated that 120,000 men, in their 30s & 40s, are impotent as a direct result of smoking. If you are 30-40 years old, smoking also increases your risk of impotence by about 50%.

Exposing your pregnant partner to secondhand smoke means you are exposing your baby to secondhand smoke, which contains thousands of toxic chemicals. The risk of miscarriage, still birth, under-development and cot death are all increased.

For your children - now and in the future

Staying as healthy as you can helps you to be the best father you can be. Suffering from cancer, heart disease or a stroke might be hard to imagine. But these diseases, and others that are associated with smoking, can happen at any age. When you are a father you will want to see your children grow up and will want to have the energy to take part in physical activities with your family.

By staying smokefree, you will also reduce the risk of your children suffering from:

• Cot death.
• Asthma.
• Chest infections.
• Meningitis.
• Glue ear and partial deafness.
• Lung cancer as adults.

For your partner - help her stay smokefree

If your partner is trying to quit, you can really help by being supportive. Encourage her to take advantage of the free NHS support that is available and to speak to her doctor about stop smoking medicines like Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

Some practical things that you can do to help include:

• Trying to be sympathetic if she feels frustrated, anxious or sleepless - these are signs that her body is recovering and she will feel better soon.
• Making sure that there are no reminders of smoking, like ashtrays or cigarettes around the house.
• Being supportive in situations when she is most likely to want a cigarette - for example after a meal.
• Asking your family and friends to stop smoking when they are around her.
• If she is struggling to cope, encourage her to speak to her doctor or call the NHS Pregnancy Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 9 169.