Tobacco, alcohol, and other substances can affect women's health at every stage of life. They may influence fertility, pregnancy, menopause, chronic medical conditions, and the risk of certain cancers and other health problems. If you're considering reducing or stopping tobacco, alcohol, or other substance use, effective treatments and support resources are available.
The resources below provide information about the health effects of common substances, pregnancy considerations, and options for treatment and support.
Smoking, vaping, and other nicotine products can affect overall health, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and long-term health. Quitting at any stage provides meaningful health benefits, and many effective treatment options are available.
Alcohol can affect overall health, increase the risk of certain cancers and liver disease, and may affect fertility and pregnancy. If alcohol use has become difficult to control, effective treatment and support are available.
As marijuana use becomes more common, many women have questions about its effects on fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Current evidence supports avoiding marijuana during pregnancy because of potential risks to the developing baby.
Opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders are medical conditions that can be successfully treated. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.