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Claire Clerkin
Sep 204 min read

Vaping and Reproductive Health: What You Need to Know

Vaping has become a widespread alternative to smoking, but many are unaware of the potential risks it poses, especially regarding reproductive health. From a functional medicine perspective, it's essential to understand what you’re inhaling and how it affects the body.

 



What is in Vapes?


More than 80 compounds have been found in e-liquids and aerosols. E-cigarettes often contain nicotine, and the inclusion of flavourings significantly increases the toxicity of the vapour. The heat generated by the device causes oxidation and decomposition of its ingredients, producing harmful substances that are inhaled.


Vaping liquids (or e-liquids) typically contain:

  • Nicotine: The compound found in cigarettes. A highly addictive, toxic substance. Men with higher levels of nicotine in the blood have significant decrease in sperm motility.

  • Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerine: Used to create the vapor. When heated, they oxidise, leading to the formation of harmful constituents in the inhaled vapour. 

  • Flavourings: Many of these are food-safe but not necessarily safe for inhalation. Cinnamon and bubblegum flavours have been found to be the most dangerous to reproductive health.

  • Heavy Metals: Traces of lead, chromium, tin, silver, nickel, cadmium, and aluminium may be present. These are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals that can cause oestrogen imbalance, infertility and cancers. 

  • Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs): Found in the fluid and/or vapour in varying concentrations. They are described as highly toxic and potentially carcinogenic (cancer causing).

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These include benzene, styrene, ethylbenzene, and toluene. All are classified as carcinogenic and can cause irritation, headaches, liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage.

  • Hydrocarbons and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). These are formed more potently in tobacco products, but some have been found in e-cigarette vapour. Internally PAHs increase the synthesis of the undesirable 4OH oestrogens which are associated with breast and ovarian cancers.

 


Components described in e-cigarette fluid and aerosol. Montjean, et al (2023)


The Impact of Vaping on Male Reproductive Health


Vaping and smoking have potential negative effects on male fertility:

  • Sperm Quality: Nicotine can reduce sperm count and motility, which are essential for fertility.

  • Testosterone Levels: Long-term nicotine exposure can lead to lower testosterone levels, affecting libido and sperm production.

  • Oxidative Stress: Chemicals in e-liquids can cause oxidative stress, damaging sperm DNA.

  • Zinc depletion: smoking causes lower levels of zinc, which is essential for healthy sperm formation and maturity.

 

The Impact Impact of Vaping on Female Reproductive Health


For women, vaping and smoking pose risks to reproductive health as well:

  • Ovarian Function: Exposure to nicotine may interfere with egg production and hormone regulation.

  • Menstrual Irregularities: Women who vape may experience more irregular periods due to hormonal imbalances.

  • Foetal Development Risks: Pregnant women who vape or smoke risk exposing their developing foetus to harmful chemicals, potentially leading to low birth weight and developmental issues.

  • Cancers: smoking is a known risk factor for breast cancer.


Smoking Depletes Nutrients


People who smoke are more likely to experience deficiencies in nutrients, including vitamins C, D, E, beta carotene, B1, B2, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine.

Studies have also found that smokers are more likely to consume more alcohol and caffeine than non-smokers.


Due to the oxidative stress caused by smoking and vaping, the need for antioxidants is also increased.

All these nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system (think sleep, anxiety, mood swings) and immune and reproductive health.

 

Are there nutritional hacks for mitigating the impact of vaping and smoking on the human body?


Yes, there are, but I believe that the best approach is to find a way to stop. Smoking and vaping are ‘net takers’ in health – they take more than they give. It is important to consider WHY you have a craving to smoke or vape and go from there. I sometime aid clients to ‘mop up’ the damage caused by ongoing smoking/vaping, while we work on aiding their cessation of the habit.


From a functional medicine perspective, it’s important to recognise that while vaping may be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, it still poses significant risks—particularly to reproductive health.


 

Final Thoughts on Vaping and Smoking from a Health Perspective


When it comes to the cocktail of chemical in vapes, there are no long term studies on the impact on overall health. However, we know the impact of the individual components. As such, vaping can be a risky habit that you may pay for long term.


It’s not easy to kick the habit, but it is possible. Consider therapies like CBT, hypnotherapy and similar that can help you understand the root causes of the need to smoke or vape.


If stress is a trigger, consider coaching or other ways to help you understand and manage stress. Think about managing triggers through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. Deep breathing during vaping or smoking is often the reason for the calming effect on the nervous system – you can do this without something in your hand!


Does the thought of giving up make you anxious? Studies have shown that people who give up smoking notice improved levels of anxiety!


I hope this helps you make some informed choices about your health. Please pass on to anyone who you think would benefit.

 

 

 

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