The Effects of E-Cigarette Vapor Components on the Morphology and Function of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems: A Systematic Review

Kamila Szumilas, Paweł Szumilas, Anna Grzywacz and Aleksandra Wilk
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Kamila Szumilas: Department of Physiology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
Paweł Szumilas: Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-210 Szczecin, Poland
Anna Grzywacz: Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland
Aleksandra Wilk: Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-13

Abstract: E-cigarettes, a comparatively new phenomenon, are regarded as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes. They are increasingly popular among adolescents of both sexes, and many smokers use e-cigarettes in their attempts to quit smoking. There is little understanding of the effects of exposure to e-cigarette vapors on human reproductive health, human development, or the functioning of the organs of the male and female reproductive systems. Data on the effects of the exposure were derived mainly from animal studies, and they show that e-cigarettes can affect fertility. Here, we review recent studies on the effects of exposure to e-cigarettes on facets of morphology and function in the male and female reproductive organs. E-cigarettes, even those which are nicotine-free, contain many harmful substances, including endocrine disruptors, which disturb hormonal balance and morphology and the function of the reproductive organs. E-cigarettes cannot be considered a completely healthy alternative to smoking. As is true for smoking, deleterious effects on the human reproductive system from vaping are likely, from the limited evidence to date.

Keywords: e-cigarettes; vapors; male and female reproductive systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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