Several studies have shown that children of mothers who smoke have slight, but measurable, deficiencies in physical growth and intellectual and emotional development. Fertility Recent studies suggest that smoking is associated with increased risk of infertility in both women and men. In women, smoking is associated with a greater likelihood of irregular menses. Experimental studies in animals show that ovulatory response is altered due to exposure to tobacco smoke. In men, sperm production and motility appears to be altered by tobacco smoke.
Cigarette smoke lowers testosterone levels.
In rats, smoking lowers sexual activity. Early menopause in smokers may be related to ovotoxins in cigarette smoke or to the effects of smoke on hormone regulatory mechanisms.