Numerous physical and psychological factors might contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED), often known as impotence. Smoking cigarettes is one of them. Given that smoking can harm blood vessels and that ED frequently results from inadequate arterial blood supply to the penis, this is not surprising. Fortunately, if you stop smoking, your performance and vascular health will certainly improve.
Compared to males who never smoked, men who smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day had a 60% increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction was reported by 15% of current and former smokers. Men who presently smoked or formerly smoked were around 30% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. 12 percent of guys who had never smoked experienced erection issues.
Smoking and your blood vessels
Smoking has a lot of negative health effects. Almost every organ in your body might be harmed by cigarette smoking. Your blood vessels’ lining is harmed by the chemicals in cigarette smoke, which also has an impact on how well they work. The heart, brain, kidneys, and other body tissues can all suffer damage from these substances.
The actions of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis are what cause the risk of smoking to your erectile health. When the arteries in the penis get impulses from the penis’ nerves, they widen and fill with blood, causing an erection. The nerves react to the brain’s signals of sexual excitement. An erection may not be physically achievable even though the neurological system is functioning normally. If smoking has damaged the blood vessels, consult a reliable source.
Research of Erectile Dysfunction
Although ED seems to become more prevalent as men age, it can appear at any stage of adulthood. According to a 2005 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, men who smoked have a higher risk of developing ED than men who never smoked. However, smoking is almost certainly to blame for ED in younger men.
Your chances of acquiring ED are significantly increased if you smoke a lot. But giving up smoking can lessen ED signs. The extent to which healthy erectile function can return may be influenced by your age, the severity of your ED prior to quitting smoking, and other serious health issues.
During the annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention of the American Heart Association, which is taking place in Miami shown a study examining the effect smoking has on a man’s capacity to get an erection was presented.
In a news release, epidemiologist Jiang He, MD, Ph.D., of Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, notes that this is not the first study to show a link between smoking cigarettes and erectile dysfunction. But this study stands out because it was able to account for additional factors that may contribute to erectile dysfunction, often known as impotence.
Researchers looked at data from 4,764 Chinese men who completed a health survey and had an average age of 47 in this study. One of the questions asked was bout smoking history and the caliber of romantic relationships.
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Impact of erectile dysfunction on mental health
It can be difficult to find treatment for erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can easily buy on or result from a variety of mental health conditions.
About 40% of all cigarettes smoked in the United States come from That consumed one in four adults who have some form of behavioral health issue. Although, Cigarettes’ ability to influence mood may exacerbate pre-existing mental illnesses.
In addition to the harm, cigarettes can do to their mental health, men who smoke and experience erectile dysfunction may experience feelings like:
- Shame
- Depression
- Inadequacy
- Performance phobia
These emotions are common and a major factor in the underreporting of erectile dysfunction. Smoking can be a coping mechanism for stressful times, but stress and smoking can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Remember that smoking is a difficult addiction to kick whether you smoke to relieve stress or believe smoking is causing your erectile dysfunction.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Other factors that contribute to erection dysfunction aside smoking include:
- Diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure
- High levels of cholesterol
- Obesity
- Certain medicines
Any one of these diseases or medications, alone or in combination, may cause erectile dysfunction but a doctor can help. Several therapies can help the circumstances and perhaps even cure erectile dysfunction.
There are also particular erectile dysfunction therapies, such as:
- PDE5 inhibitors that orally used, such as Viagra (sildenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil)
- Pharmaceutical injections into the penile area that aid with erections
- Vacuum devices that induce erections by drawing blood into the penis’s shaft
- Inflatable implants used during surgery that place them into the penis, known as surgical implants.
Maintain an Erection
You can attempt a lot of different things to enhance your erection’s quality and sexual performance. Stopping your stress about it is the first step. However, Stress is a significant contributor to erection problems. However, it is easier to say than do that.
If you are having problems getting or keeping an erection, think about speaking with your partner or a therapist, relaxing before, or employing other stress-reduction methods.
Other factors that can support a stronger erection include:
- Decreasing the size of your waist
- Regular exercise
- Concentrating on enhancing pelvic floor muscle strength
- Lowering stress
- Considering your partner
- Avoiding booze and other substances
- Giving up smoking
Tips for Quitting
It’s difficult to stop smoking. Many people find that quitting cold turkey doesn’t work, but there are a variety of innovative goods and programs available that can assist you in doing so.
Discuss Chantix and other drugs, as well as nicotine replacement therapy, with your healthcare physician. Additionally, there are groups, apps, and other online resources where you can obtain support for quitting smoke which helps in erectile dysfunction.
Additional strategies for quitting include:
- Aware of your triggers
- Utilizing every tool at our disposal
- Recognizing your accomplishments
- Adapting your schedule and behavior
- Figuring out how to get beyond cravings
One of the most challenging aspects of quitting smoking might be cravings. Some people find comfort in chewing gum, candy, and fidget gadgets, as well as other things that keep their hands and mouths occupied.
Also read: Foods and drinks that help in quitting smoking
Summary
Smoking can cause blood vessels to constrict and blood flow to be restricted, both of which are necessary for achieving and sustaining an erection. A decrease in nitric oxide, which aids in blood flow to the penis and keeps it there when maintaining an erection, has been linked to this, according to some research. Erectile dysfunction can also be brought on by a number of illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure. You can ask your doctor for assistance in order to stop smoking, as they can direct you toward the most effective nicotine replacement medications and other quitting methods.