The dangers of smoking are widely known, and the long-term effects of vaping are still being learned. But, Marla Ahlgrimm says that it’s crucial to understand the risks that these bad habits pose to women’s health specifically. Today, the retired author and women’s health expert shares the consequences of these nicotine-infused products on women’s health beyond respiratory distress.
What is the most significant way that smoking affects a woman’s health?
Marla Ahlgrimm: When we’re referring specifically to women, smoking drastically affects a woman’s reproductive system. Smoking has been consistently linked to a higher risk of infertility as it can damage the ovaries, deplete egg reserves, and disrupt hormone production.
Can women who smoke conceive?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes, of course. Unfortunately, they are at a higher risk of ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births. Studies have shown that babies born to women who smoke may be at a higher risk of lower birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome.
How is smoking related to cervical cancer?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Some studies have shown a correlation between smoking and an increased risk of cervical cancer. This is most likely due to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke that interfere with the body’s ability to clear HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,