Learn the risks
Smoking affects and causes many conditions, diseases and ailments; and impotence is no exception. Impotence or scientifically known as erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve an erection or to complete intercourse. There has been numerous studies and researches conducted with the aim of linking smoking and cigarettes. To begin with, men with high blood pressure and are avid smokers are twenty six times more likely to have erectile dysfunction. This condition is very prominent among the older men. Disorders that affect blood circulation like diabetes often causes impotence. Smoking is known to affect the arteries and accelerate atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Thus, when arteries in pelvic area are narrowed then there is reduced penile blood flow.
Yes, smoking can cause impotence
Many people tend to associate the high risk behavior of smoking to many reasons. Aside from the usual lung cancer, respiratory diseases and coronary heart conditions, people ignore the fact that smoking is a contributing factor to impotence. The question of how it causes this dysfunction is not a mystery. We all know that nitric oxide, produced in the body, is essential for healthy blood vessels. It is important because it signals the inside of the blood vessels to increase or blood flow to the body organs. Cigarette smoking disrupts the production of nitric oxide. This causes the blood vessels to decrease the flow of blood to the body organs including the penis. Continuously smoking increases the chances of developing impotence. This is a similar case for those experiencing respiratory and heart problems.
Impotence treatment
Treating impotence can be done in several ways. First of all it is important for one to know the major source that is causing the dysfunction. If for instance it is diabetes, which is also caused by smoking then one should start by checking the sugar levels in body. Diabetics who smoke tend to put themselves in great risks of getting other serious disorders. This will put them in further financial turmoil. Many suggestions have always been put forth of how one can treat impotence. Among these suggestions is the use of well known erectile dysfunction drugs such as Viagra. However, this does not work for those who smoke. Studies have been conducted showing that these drugs are ineffective since the damaged endothelium cannot properly function. Researchers have also concluded that the longer one has spent his time on smoking the more the damage is done to the blood vessels.
In order to treat impotence among the avid smokers, the first and foremost thing that they must do is to quit smoking. Through quitting for almost a day, a small study revealed that the smokers were able to experience erections during the night times. Many people quit smoking because of impotent reasons. Impotence can further be accelerated if a smoker: constantly consumes excessive alcohol, experiences epilepsy depression and/ or has psychological conditions like psychosis.
By considering the effects of smoking, consulting healthcare institutions, using smoking aids like patches and gums, visiting licensed doctors and getting the proper medications are some of the ways one can employ in an effort to quit smoking.