But some of tobacco's harmful effects are reserved for women only. That is why health experts presented the latest research on tobacco and how it affects women at a special conference sponsored by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. But Brooks said a surprising number of women are unaware of the increased risk. Smoking affects many cells in the human body. The longer a woman smokes, the more damage is done.
Smoking also increases the risk of infertility.
Doctors should urge women to stop smoking if they plan to become pregnant in the future. Women smokers who do conceive should quit. Despite extensive publicity about such dangers, about one-quarter of pregnant women continue to smoke cigarettes. In addition to the threat of cancer and reproductive problems, women smokers increase their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which is the number one cause of death among women. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports.