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Monday 8 December 2014

Say NO to Tobacco for the sake of your parenthood


Tobacco use has been considered controversial for long although scientific evidence regarding its health hazards. Consumption of tobacco is mainly in the form of bidi, followed by cigarette, hukah, chilum, chutta, etc. The habit of smokeless tobacco (also referred astobacco chewing) is also very common. Some common forms of smokeless tobacco include khaini, Mainpuri tobacco, mawa, mishri etc.

According to Global Adult Tobacco survey nearly 0.9 million tobacco-related deaths occur in India annually as compared to 5.5 million worldwide which is expected to increase to about 10 million during 2020s. The report also revealed that 8 to 10 lakh persons die of tobacco related diseases every year and this reflects a higher mortality than the combined deaths resulting from other major diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV AIDS and malaria.

Many of us are aware about the diseases that caused by consumption of tobacco which is mainly cancer of oral cavity, larynx, oesophagus etc. But several research studies have also identified smoking or consuming tobacco in any form adds multiple risk factors of infertility especially in men; risk of osteoporosis, bone fractures and early age wrinkles also.

Male fertility is affected by a variety of lifestyle habits that include tobacco use. A large population of Indian men
is addicted to tobacco chewing. Tobacco chewing is strongly associated with a decrease in sperm quality and to a lesser extent with oligoasthenozoospermia or azoospermia.

The relationship between tobacco use and male fertility has always been controversial but yes indeed; tobacco use is a potential detrimental factor for decrease in sperm count in men. Smoking can decrease sperm count in men, making the sperm more sluggish, and it can increase the number of abnormal sperm. With men, the effects on fertility are increased with the number of cigarettes.  Men who smoke heavily or drink too much may have lower sperm mortality and a higher proportion of abnormal sperm.

There have been many studies of tobacco usage and fertility. Male smokers have decreased sperm parameters and decreased fertility. Female smokers also have decreased rates of fertility and decreased fallopian tube function. Smoking can lead to all kinds of serious problems with the baby.

Hookah trend has been emerged in India these days on to which young generation is severely involved irrespective of knowing its ill effects on their fertility. Men addicted to tobacco chewing also have the least access to infertility medical services where on the other hand in taking of tobacco during pregnancy accounts for an estimated 20 to 30 percent of low-birth weight babies. A pregnant woman who smokes also adds a risk to pregnancy.

Life Management strategies:

Start by quitting
Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D
Avoid excessive use of alcohol
Exercise Regularly
Be Nature friendly
Be Your Own Bodyguard
Manage your stress which usually effects your fertility

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