Smoking and tobacco

Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products common in India, such as gutka, khaini, and other forms of chewed or smokeless tobacco, as well as bidis and cigarettes, are associated with reduced fertility in both women and men, and with poorer outcomes in fertility treatment. Tobacco use can affect egg and sperm quality and is linked to a range of broader health risks. Stopping tobacco use, in any form, is one of the lifestyle changes most consistently recommended before and during fertility treatment. If you use tobacco and want support to stop, ask your doctor about resources available through India's tobacco cessation and public health programmes, rather than trying to stop abruptly without support if you have a strong dependence.

Also known as: bidi, gutka, smokeless tobacco, khaini, tobacco use and fertility

Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.