Smoking, Vaping, and Women’s Health: A Q&A with Marla Ahlgrimm

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.

Does smoking change a woman’s menstrual cycle?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It can, yes. Furthermore, women who smoke may also be at a greater risk of severe menstrual cramps, early menopause, and estrogen deficiency. Smoking can also dampen the sense of taste, which may lead women to crave sweet or salty snacks during “that time of the month,” reaching for even more to satisfy intense cravings.

Does smoking cigarettes increase a woman’s risk of osteoporosis?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Again, yes. The impact of smoking on bone health is an area of concern for women. Nicotine and the other chemicals found in cigarettes and even secondhand smoke can and do interfere with cellular activity. This can lead to decreased bone density and a higher risk of osteoporosis and fractures. This is particularly concerning as women are already at a higher risk of fractures due to hormonal changes during menopause.

But vaping is a safer option, right?

Marla Ahlgrimm: The honest answer: we simply don’t know for sure, but likely not. E-cigarettes contain a harmful cocktail of chemicals that go well beyond nicotine. Many have been found to have heavy metals, and flavored vape liquid often contains dozens to hundreds of synthetic chemicals. Even more alarming is that the ultrafine particles in aerosols can penetrate deeply into the lungs and cause inflammation, which can lead to long-term damage.

Can nicotine consumption affect women outside of their physical health?

Marla Ahlgrimm: It can. Nicotine is an addictive substance. It creates a cycle of craving and withdrawal that leads to anxiety, irritability, and even depression. And the social pressures and stigma associated with smoking can contribute to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem in already vulnerable women.

Is it possible to quit?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Yes, of course. Quitting smoking (or vaping) is a challenge for many women, but it offers significant and swift health benefits for women of all ages. If you currently smoke and are considering quitting, consider that it only takes a few weeks for your lung function to begin to improve and your risk of heart attack to begin to decline. And if you quit before pregnancy, the risk to your baby is significantly reduced.

Do you have anything else to add?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Only that I think it’s really important healthcare providers continue to play a role in educating women about the specific risks of smoking and other nicotine consumption methods. I think that providing support and resources for smoking cessation is important, and I want women to know that, despite the challenges they may face, they are not alone.