Chronic smoking might contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence issues in males. It can gradually damage the blood vessels of the penile and impair the erection function permanently. The deterioration of the blood vessels happens over time.   

Not only does smoking cause erection difficulties, but it also affects your overall sexual health and well-being. It does so by giving rise to fertility issues, and causing testosterone depletion, and loss of libido or low sex drive.  

How does erectile dysfunction happen?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common type of sexual problem in males. It is more commonly experienced by older males because of some physiological health conditions. Health conditions might permanently impair the erection function.  

Younger males might experience these difficulties temporarily due to some psychological factors. They may regain their ability by managing the factors that contribute to impotence problems.  

Erection is a natural response, that is influenced by psychological and physiological functions. The person may not be able to get or sustain firmer erections, despite being sexually aroused.   

Fundamentally, one may struggle to attain firmer erections because of a lack of blood supply to the penile. The blood vessels of the penile become narrow and they block the flow of blood inside. Inadequate blood flow is the primary reason for impotence. As a result, the penile remains feeble even after arousal.   

How does smoking lead to erectile dysfunction?

According to various studies, smokers are more susceptible to developing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction compared with non-smokers. Smoking on occasion might not affect the erection health, but those who smoke regularly are highly prone to getting their erection function permanently.  

The smoke contains hazardous and toxic chemicals, which enter inside your lungs and get assimilated into your blood. Toxic substances such as cyanide, carbon monoxide, nicotine, etc. Gets released in the blood. The circulatory system carries these toxic chemicals to all parts and organs of your body.   

The toxins deplete the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. Nitric oxide is a chemical crucial for the health of blood vessels. Its reduction impairs the function of blood vessels by causing them to become narrow.  

NO is responsible for conducting vasodilation and keeping the blood vessels expanded to allow more blood flow inside the penile. A drop in NO levels causes vasoconstriction, a hindrance of the blood flow to the penile. As a result, the person experiences erection difficulties.    

Impacts of smoking on vascular system

The substance within the smoke that does the most damage is Nicotine. It is an addictive substance that is the main culprit. It contributes to vasoconstriction, thereby narrowing the blood vessels. This makes the blood vessels hard. The hardening and narrowing prevent the blood from flowing inside the penile.   

This substance depletes the levels of nitric oxide in the walls of the penile blood vessels. This leads to the overaction of certain enzymes, that cause the formation of plaque in the passages of the penile blood vessels.   

The plaque accumulation blocks the flow of blood inside the penile. In this way, there will be poor blood flow inside the penile. Lack of proper blood flow affects the erection quality, and as a result, males develop erectile dysfunction.  

If I quit smoking will my erection function improve? 

Yes, it might take some time, but you may see improvement in your erection function. Some studies have shown that the erection function might be restored within 2 to 12 weeks (about 3 months) of quitting smoking.  

The circulation might improve, as the levels of nitric oxide increase. The toxic substances in the smoke suppress the release of nitric oxide. But when you quit smoking, its levels rise, and the vascular health gets revamped.  

In addition, if it is taking too long, you can make use of ED medicines such as Tadacip 20mg. These pills restore the erection function in the presence of arousal. 

Other ill effects of smoking  

Decrease in sex drive: Harmful substances in smoke tend to interfere with the release of sex hormones. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone among males, which regulates sex drive or libido.   

The toxic substances might suppress its production, which can lead to the reduction of sex drive or libido. The person may also experience a loss of interest in sex.   

Fertility issues 

Smokers are very likely to develop issues with fertility. The chemicals deteriorate the health of reproductive organs. Consequently, men might experience decreased sperm volume, poor sperm motility, and low sperm count.  

Loss of stamina  

As the levels of testosterone start declining because of smoking, this weakens their sex drive, and they may experience difficulties with arousal.