WHO Warns on Infertility Crisis — and Smoking Is a Key Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a growing global infertility crisis, and a leading Mauritian medical voice is adding local weight to the warning — pointing to smoking as one of the most underestimated threats to reproductive health. Dr Farhad Aumeer, a specialist in reproductive medicine in Mauritius, says the danger of tobacco use begins well before a woman becomes pregnant — or even tries to. "Smoking is a risk before pregnancy even begins," he warns, underlining that its effects on fertility are often overlooked by patients and the public alike. **What the WHO Is Warning About** The WHO has raised concern that infertility — defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse — affects an estimated 1 in 6 people globally. The organisation stresses that infertility is a disease of the reproductive system and a major public health issue, not simply a personal or lifestyle matter. The global body is calling for greater awareness, better access to fertility care, and stronger action on modifiable risk factors — including smoking, obesity, sexually transmitted infections, and environmental exposures. **Smoking and Fertility: What the Science Says** According to reproductive health experts, tobacco smoking affects fertility in both men and women. In women, it can accelerate the loss of eggs, damage the fallopian tubes, and disrupt hormone levels. In men, it is linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and quality. Dr Aumeer's point — that the risk exists before conception is even attempted — is particularly important. Many people assume that stopping smoking once pregnant is sufficient. But by that point, egg quality or sperm health may already be compromised, reducing the chances of natural conception or the success of assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation). **Why This Matters in Mauritius** Mauritius has one of the higher smoking prevalence rates in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean region. While the government has taken steps to restrict tobacco use — including plain packaging laws and public smoking bans — smoking remains common among working-age adults, the group most likely to be planning families. Access to fertility treatment in Mauritius is available through both the public health system and private clinics, but it can be costly and emotionally demanding. Prevention — including quitting smoking — remains the most effective and affordable strategy. **What This Means for Readers** If you or your partner smoke and are planning to start a family, medical specialists advise stopping as early as possible — ideally months before attempting conception. Both partners' habits matter. For anyone already experiencing difficulty conceiving, consulting a reproductive health specialist is recommended before drawing conclusions. The WHO's renewed global focus on infertility is also a signal to health authorities in Mauritius to ensure reproductive health services are accessible, affordable, and clearly communicated to the public. Source: Le Défi Media