Erectile Dysfunction
and Smoking
The health risks of smoking are widely known, and every packet of cigarettes in the UK carries a health warning by law.
However, the link between moderate smoking and erectile dysfunction is not widely discussed. Studies show that male smokers are 40% more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than non-smokers.
Research also suggests that smokers who develop ED may experience it at an earlier age than non-smokers.
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The mechanics of smoking
Consider what happens when you fully inhale a cigarette.
Around 5,000 chemical substances enter your body with each puff. Within 10 seconds, these substances enter your bloodstream, and nicotine triggers dopamine and endorphins, creating a pleasurable response in the brain. However, this effect comes with significant health impacts on the bloodstream, affecting not only reproductive health but the entire body.
Blood vessels carry vital nutrients throughout the body, and they also play an essential role in sexual health by expanding to allow increased blood flow. The nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes damage the endothelium lining of blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow over time. As blood vessels lose the ability to fully expand, the capacity to maintain healthy sexual function can decline significantly.
Erectile Dysfunction and Smoking and Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide is an essential molecule for overall health, with vasodilation as one of its primary functions. Vasodilation relaxes the inner muscles of the blood vessels, causing them to widen, increase circulation, and support healthy sexual function. Nitric oxide is typically generated with the help of three enzyme types known as Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOS).
These three NOS types include endothelial, neuronal, and inducible NOS. Smoking can impact the endothelial and neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase isoforms, affecting their ability to support vascular health.
Cigarette consumption not only reduces the activity of these enzyme types but also lowers the level of free Nitric Oxide in the corpora cavernosa, two structures within the reproductive area that play a role in supporting healthy blood flow for sexual function.
This effect occurs due to increased levels of superoxide anions, produced by the metabolites of smoking. These metabolites can disturb the natural balance of oxidation and antioxidation reactions, leading to a rise in superoxide anions. These anions reduce the availability of Nitric Oxide, which is essential for vascular health. Additionally, Rho-associated kinase (ROK) plays a role in regulating smooth muscle tone, affecting the relaxation needed for healthy sexual function.
Nitric Oxide typically supports this process, but reduced levels impact it, contributing to ED symptoms. At MansMatters, we offer guidance on lifestyle changes, supplements, and dietary adjustments to support Nitric Oxide levels.
Smoking can also impact erectile function by contributing to other health conditions. Smokers have a higher risk of conditions like atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, which can interfere with blood flow and the quality of sexual function.
Other Conditions Caused by Smoking That Can Cause ED
Smoking may also raise the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, a significant risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). People with diabetes have an increased likelihood of experiencing ED compared to those without the condition.
- What's more, smoking may lead to elevated blood pressure. Many smokers experience high blood pressure or arterial hypertension, and high blood pressure is a risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Arterial hypertension can impact the body's ability to circulate blood effectively, including in reproductive tissues.
- Cigarette smoking may increase sympathetic nervous system activity within the body. This heightened sympathetic activity can contribute to mental stress, a factor that may contribute to Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
- Testosterone is a key hormone that supports male sexual health. Smoking may impact testosterone levels, potentially affecting sexual health. Studies have shown that men who smoke often have lower testosterone levels than those who do not smoke or have quit smoking. Higher testosterone levels are associated with increased sexual desire. This hormone also influences the funThe impact of smoking on erectile function can also depend on the intensity of cigarette consumption. The effects of smoking may be less pronounced for moderate smokers, while heavy smoking, such as consuming 20 or more cigarettes per day, is associated with higher health risks.ctionality of Nitric Oxide, which plays a role in vascular health.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, (hyperlink: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3616119/ ) the results from prospective cohort studies suggested that the risk of ED was increased by 51% for current smokers and 20% for ex-smokers.
Erectile Dysfunction and Smoking – The Good News
The positive news for smokers is that the body has the ability to recover. While long-term damage can occur, some recovery processes begin within hours of quitting smoking.
It's known that the average smoker may attempt to quit multiple times before succeeding, and support can be helpful in achieving this goal.
Many men who have quit smoking experience a noticeable improvement in their sexual function. However, the positive effects of quitting smoking on sexual function may take time to become noticeable, and the duration of improvement can vary. For heavy smokers, the recovery period may be longer than for those who smoked for a shorter period.
Quitting smoking, like all addictive habits, can be challenging and often requires a strong mindset. The body may continue to crave nicotine for a while. Engaging in activities such as exercise or reading can help manage these cravings. Redirecting focus during urges to smoke can gradually reduce cravings over time.
For men who have quit smoking and experience erectile dysfunction, focused shockwave therapy is a recognized method that may support blood vessel and nerve tissue health, contributing to improved sexual function and satisfaction.
Erectile Dysfunction and Smoking FAQ's
Is Smoking a Major Cause Of ED?
According to various medical studies, smoking is one of the major factors for ED developing in men. Men who smoke are more likely to develop and experience ED in their lifetime, than those who don’t smoke.
Is ED Caused by Smoking Common in Men?
ED can be brought on by a number of factors, smoking is one of them. According to various research conducted on this subject, the number of ED patients who smoke is much higher than patients who don’t smoke.
How Does Smoking Cause ED?
Metabolites of cigarettes damage the blood vessels which carry blood throughout the body including penile tissues. Proper blood flow within the penis is essential in order to create strong erections. Smoking also causes Nitric Oxide deficiency, which is crucial for proper erectile function. Testosterone deficiency can also be caused by smoking, and a lack of testosterone can facilitate low libido in men which in turn can result in ED. These are some of the major ways ED can occur due to smoking.
Does Smoking Have Other Consequences That May Lead To ED?
Smoking generally has a number of physical consequences that are detrimental to overall health. For example, heart issues, high blood pressure, diabetes etc. All of these health conditions are known factors for inducing ED. Men who suffer from these issues are more likely to experience ED than men who have better general health.
Are The Numbers of Cigarettes Smoked Related to The Possibility of Experiencing ED?
Multiple studies have found that, men who are heavy smokers, are more likely to experience ED than those, who are moderate to light smokers. It is evident that the chances of suffering ED increase significantly when a man smokes more and more cigarettes. Heavy smoking is also positively correlated with the severity of ED in men.
Will Quitting Smoking Improve My ED?
Once you quit smoking, your body will start to heal on its own. And eventually you may experience a much better erectile function. But the recovery time depends on your smoking habit. If you smoked for a long period of a time, then your body will take more time to heal.
How Do I Quit Smoking To Improve My Erectile Function?
Quitting smoking is very hard, as it is one of the most addictive habits that you can develop. Self-motivation and mental strength are required to quit smoking. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, you need to divert your mind off cigarettes by engaging in other activities.
Is There Any Hope for Me If I Smoke and Have ED?
Erectile dysfunction and smoking is a big problem, but there is always hope. First of all, you need to commit to quit smoking. You may not be able to do this overnight but gradually you need to get there. Plus, there are many treatments available for ED. ED is certainly curable for the large proportion of men. Our non-invasive treatments are very effective in treating this sexual disorder in men of most ages.
Do You Treat ED In Patients Who Have Smoked?
Yes, we do. We have come across a number of patients who had a smoking habit or still smoke. With our holistic approach, we have been able to treat them effectively.
What Treatment Do You Recommend for ED Patients Who Smoke?
Focused shockwave therapy is probably the best ED treatment anyone can get right now, regardless of the fact that patients have a smoking habit or not. It’s a revolutionary non-invasive technology which generates new blood vessels inside the penile tissues and increases the flow of the blood. We have been able to treat many patients who smoked, using this procedure.
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