How Cigarette Smoking Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction & Poor Sex

March 2023

Man and woman laying in bedGet ready to learn about how smoking can impact your sexual health – specifically in the area of erectile dysfunction (ED)! Despite the fact that smoking is a well-known risk factor for ED, more than one-third of men globally continue to light up without realizing the potential consequences. We’re here to explain exactly how smoking might be diminishing your ability to get and maintain an erection.

Smoking is a foe to your body, especially your blood vessels. This notorious habit damages the tissues in your body, which includes the crucial blood vessels that supply blood flow to the penis. Keeping this flow healthy is essential for maintaining an erection, and smoking can compromise this process altogether.

Additionally, smoking reduces the production of nitric oxide (NO), a crucial compound necessary for getting those “oooohs” and “aaahs” in the bedroom. This chemical helps the blood vessels widen, and smooth muscle relax- necessary functions for attaining and sustaining an erection. When smoking decreases NO production, your bedroom performance may take a hit.

As if that weren’t enough, smoking can increase inflammatory markers, contributing to chronic low-grade inflammation and an overactivation of the immune system. These conditions hike up your risk of erectile dysfunction, meaning smoking can be a source of “no fun” in the bedroom. Remember, health and wellness are sexy, so consider quitting smoking to keep that spark alive!

Smoking can really mess with your body’s natural balance! When you puff on a cigarette, your sympathetic nervous system – which is responsible for your “fight or flight” response – gets all fired up. This can make your heart race and your blood pressure spike – not exactly the ideal state for getting some lovin’. But fear not, smokers! Once you quit smoking, your body will gradually restore the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, making getting an erection a little easier. So if you’re ready to improve your health and your sex life, it might be time to kick that smoking habit to the curb!

Bottom Line is that smoking can have a detrimental effect on your ability to perform in the bedroom. It’s true – multiple studies have shown that men who smoke have a higher risk of experiencing erectile difficulties, especially those who smoke heavily or for a long time. But don’t despair – by quitting smoking, not only can you improve your overall health, but you may also see improvement in your erectile function.

Furthermore, if you have this smoking history and you need help with resolving it, or have any sorts of sexual health concerns, it would be wise to talk to a physician who has appropriate experience in Sexual and Hormonal Health about appropriate testing and optimization options. Such doctors can not only help you kick your smoking habits but also improve your hormonal and physiological health so that you can get UP IN GEAR with not only your erections but everything else in your life for a better quality of life. — take control of your health today!