Emma
According to global data, the number of smokers worldwide increased to 1.1 billion in 2019, with tobacco smoking causing 7.7 million deaths – including 1 in 5 deaths in males worldwide.
Tobacco use is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year, including around 1.2 million deaths from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Smoking can cause a wide range of negative health effects. It harms nearly every organ of the body and can lead to many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
It is not commonly known that smoking can seriously harm male sexual function, leading to the development of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is more prevalent among smokers
Man-nino and other experts found that the prevalence of ED among never-smokers, former smokers, and smokers was 2.2%, 2.0%, and 3.7%, respectively, through a survey of 4462 Vietnam veterans. It can be seen that the prevalence is significantly higher in smokers.
It has also been found that smoking exacerbates the association of erectile dysfunction with risk factors such as coronary artery disease and hypertension and that smoking may increase the likelihood of moderate or complete erectile dysfunction by a factor of two.
A higher percentage of ED patients have a smoking habit
Condra’s survey showed that 81% of ED patients were hi smokers or former smokers and 19% were never smokers; the corresponding proportions in the general population were 58.3% and 41.7%, respectively.
The more you smoke, the worse your erectile function
Lemere et al. reported that 80% of men with ED smoked, and those who smoked for a longer period of time would have shorter erections and relatively less hardness than those who smoked for a shorter period of time. Smoking greater than 20 cigarettes per day, the probability of developing ED will reach 42.3%.
Natali et al. showed that heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes per day) were twice as likely to develop severe ED compared to light smokers.
In addition to the adverse effects on erections, smoking has been shown to decrease sperm motility, which can lead to male infertility. Cigarette smoke reduces the number of normal-form sperm and increases the number of abnormal-form sperm, with the severity of these effects worsening with longer and more extended periods of smoking.
Furthermore, it should be noted that exposure to secondhand smoke, especially prolonged exposure, can also lead to a decline in erectile function. Therefore, it is important to avoid smoking and minimize exposure to secondhand smoke to promote both reproductive and sexual health.
Why does smoking cause erectile dysfunction?
Penile erection is a physiological process that is dependent on neurovascular mechanisms. Essentially, when an individual is sexually stimulated, the parasympathetic nerves responsible for the release of neurotransmitter molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) lead to the activation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), resulting in cavernous diastole and increased blood flow to the penile arteries and cavernous sinus. However, any hindrance in this pathway can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED).
Smoking reduces the blood supply to the penis
Smoking reduces the blood supply to the penis over time. The harmful effects of this habit can manifest in hardened and constricted arteries, particularly in the direct internal pubic and cavernous arteries of the penis, which result in limited blood flow to the penis.
Studies have confirmed that smoking can affect the penis’s blood supply, leading to reduced systolic pressure in the penile arteries, reduced intra-arterial blood flow velocity during erection, and decreased hardness of an erection.
Smoking decreases the ability of nerves to regulate
Penile erection requires neurotransmitters released from nerve endings to function, of which the key neurotransmitter NO is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzing L-arginine. Nicotine and other ingredients in tobacco can reduce the activity of nitric oxide synthase (mainly neuronal subtype nNOS), and the superoxide anion in cigarette smoke will also directly degrade NO, both of which will lead to a reduction in the neurotransmitter NO, affecting penile arterial vasodilation, causing penile vasoconstriction and thus poor erection function tables.
Smoking reduces testosterone secretion needed for penile erection
Experiments have found that after long-term inhalation of cigarette smoke in rats, testosterone levels in the body decreased.
The toxic substances in cigarette smoke destroy the testosterone-producing mesenchymal cells in the testes, and once testosterone is lacking, the penis lacks the driving force for an erection.
In addition to ED, smoking has also been linked to reduced male fertility. Smokers have significantly less number and motility of sperm compared to nonsmokers. Smoking has been linked to devastating effects on sperm morphology (shape and structure) and viability (ability to function properly).
What are some ways to quit smoking?
There are several ways to quit smoking, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some common methods include:
Find your reason: To get motivated, you need a powerful, personal reason to quit. It may be to protect your family from secondhand smoke or lower your chance of getting lung cancer, heart disease, or other conditions.
Consider nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy can curb these urges. Studies show that nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches improve your chances of success when you’re also in a quit-smoking program.
Learn about prescription pills: Medicines can curb cravings and may also make smoking less satisfying if you do pick up a cigarette. Other drugs can ease withdrawal symptoms, such as depression or problems with concentration.
Lean on your loved ones: Tell your friends, family, and other people you’re close to that you’re trying to quit. They can encourage you to keep going, especially when you’re tempted to light up.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a method that works for you and stick with it. Quitting smoking is a journey, and it may take several attempts before you are successful. But with determination and support, you can quit smoking for good.
What are some benefits of quitting smoking?
Quitting smoking has many benefits for your health. As soon as you quit, your body begins to repair the damage caused by smoking. Within 20 minutes of quitting, your heart rate drops to a normal level. Within 12 to 24 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal and the risk of heart attack is significantly reduced.
Over time, quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing many diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Improved circulation and blood flow are key to a healthy erection. Quitting smoking will also help. Researchers found that erectile dysfunction significantly improved in six months to a year after quitting smoking. A 2022 study of 6,754 men also found that those who formerly smoked had better erectile function and libido than those who currently smoked.
In addition to these physical health benefits, quitting smoking can also improve your overall quality of life. It can improve your sense of taste and smell, increase your energy levels, and save you money.
