I recently quit smoking. I read that smoking can make conception difficult. What exactly does smoking do in terms of fertility? How long does it take for the body to repair itself?

--Angela

Cigarette smoke contains many compounds, including nicotine, that may interfere with fertility. Studies have shown varying results -- either a decrease in pregnancy rates or increased risk of miscarriage. In addition, other studies have shown that smokers tend to enter menopause earlier. Ovarian drilling, a surgical procedure that often restores ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, does not seem to work for women who smoke. In men, markers for DNA damage to sperm from oxygen-free radicals increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. All in all, cigarette smoking is harmful to reproductive health.

Eggs remain dormant until about three months before ovulation, when the cells surrounding the egg start to grow. So while smoking can have a permanent effect by decreasing the number of eggs that remain in the ovary, it would appear that the effects of smoking would be nil if you stop smoking three months before conception.