The Health Effects of Smoking for Women
How many women smoke?
Before the 1900’s, few women in
western society smoked. As the 20th century
progressed, more and more women begin to smoke
By 1945, 26% of women smoked
In 1976 that number had increased to
33%
By 2001 the number fell to 18%
Why do women smoke?
The tobacco industry has marketed
smoking as a fashionable and sophisticated thing for women
to do. The fashion and media industries also traditionally
display many images of stylish women smoking
As more women started working and
earning an income, they chose to spend that income on
cigarettes
What health problems can women
smokers suffer?
Women who smoke are at increased risk
of a number of gender-specific in addition to the range
of other adverse health effects that all smokers are at
risk of.These
gender-specific problems include:
- Cancer of the cervix and
vulvar
- Cardio-vascular disease and
stroke (women who both smoke and use oral
contraceptives have a tenfold increase in risk)
- Osteoporosis
- Complications in pregnancy
and labour including a greater risk of miscarriage
- Menstrual problems
- Reduced fertility
How does smoking affect
pregnancy?
Smoking during pregnancy affects
the health of the unborn and newborn baby. These effects
can include:
- Retarded foetal growth
leading to a low birth rate
- Increased risk of cot death
(or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
- A lower than average birth
weight and therefore more likely suffering from
infections and other health problems
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