Men Who Smoke Risk Erectile Dysfunction: Study

Healthy men who smoke are at risk developing erectile dysfunction — and the more cigarettes they smoke, the greater the risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a new study.In a study of 4,763 Chinese men aged 35 to 74 years who were free of blood vessel disease and who reported that they had been sexually active within the last 6 months, the researchers found a significant statistical link between the number of cigarettes smoked and the likelihood of erectile dysfunction.For related information on erectile dysfunction and smoking, visit:

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Erectile dysfunction or impotence is twice likely to occur in people who smoke than in people who do not smoke. The important factor in becoming impotent is exposure to second smoke. Erectile dysfunction is the inability in men to maintain erection for sexual purposes.

Coordination of several functions in the body is required for sexual functioning. This involves the nervous system working in coordination with hormones and the vascular system that pumps blood into the tissues of muscles that maintain erection. Smoking affects all these systems, thereby causing erectile dysfunction.

Smoking hinders the flow of blood throughout the body and causes blockage of arteries. Due to the blockage of arteries, several diseases such as heart failures and strokes can occur. Erectile dysfunction is one that occurs due to arterial blockage. Smoking is related to abnormal decrease in blood pressure in the penis.

The carbon monoxide fumes from cigarettes combine with hemoglobin in the blood and reduce oxygen carrying capacity. These factors cause the arteries to harden and reduce blood supply to the penis. Therefore, smoking is not only responsible for erectile dysfunction, but it also reduces sperm count and loss of libido.

Long term smoking increases the risk of physiological damage. Smoking is the independent risk factor of erectile dysfunction. According to a study, heavy smokers had softest night time erections.

Treating erectile dysfunction:

Improve erectile dysfunction with simple lifestyle changes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking, exercising regularly and reducing stress are needed.

Before quitting smoking, write down what you don’t like about smoking and the reasons to quit. Cut down the number of cigarettes daily. Note down how many cigarettes you are smoking. Consult your doctor and ask if the nicotine replacement therapy is possible. Nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine patch, nicotine inhaler and nicotine gum are available.

Schedule regular exercise into your daily routine and add variety of exercises so that you will not get bored. There are many benefits of exercise. Exercises improves your health and decreases the urge to smoke. Keep a positive attitude towards quitting smoking.