Tobacco consumption doubles infertility risk: Experts
Lucknow: Though often associated with cancer only, tobacco consumption also doubles infertility risk and even causes mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
This was stated by health experts at KGMU on the eve of World No Tobacco Day raising concerns about the rising threat of tobacco and nicotine products.
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"Tobacco doesn't just damage the lungs—it harms almost every organ. It damages sperm, lowers hormone levels, and reduces overall reproductive health. This means its use can double the risk of infertility in men, reduce women's reproductive capacity by 30%, and cause birth complications including low birth weight and stillbirths," said Prof Ved Prakash, head of the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine.
He added people often associate tobacco only with cancer, but it is a slow poison that also causes heart attacks, strokes, asthma and even anxiety and depression.
Former HOD of the pulmonary department Prof Rajendra Prasad said: "The illusion that new-age tobacco products like e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches are safer is extremely dangerous. These products contain high levels of addictive nicotine and act as a gateway to traditional tobacco use, especially among teenagers."
Smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung and other cancers up to 30 times, heart attack risk up to 6 times and asthma up to 3 times.
In another programme, Dr Abhimanyu Kadapathri, consultant - head and neck surgical oncology, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, said the most commonly used forms of tobacco include smokeless ones like khaini, gutkha and pan masala while smoking forms include bidi, cigarette and hookah.
Experts also highlighted the massive economic burden. Tobacco use cost India nearly Rs 1.78 lakh crore in healthcare expenses in 2017-18 alone. This accounts for about 1% of the country's GDP.
Prof Ved Prakash warned, "Every puff of smoke takes you a step closer to death. There is no safe form or amount of tobacco. We urge people to stop now and choose a healthier life."
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