Smoking promotes the development of erectile dysfunction. Anyone who stops smoking has a good chance that the disorders improve again.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is still one of the most harmful diseases and is often associated exclusively with age. The fact is, however, that about one-third of all men under the age of 50 experience the experience of an ED to varying degrees. In addition to the age, there are numerous other risk factors that favor erectile dysfunction. In particular, there is a clear association between ED and diseases that increase cardiovascular risk. As per the research, 56% of heavy smokers are affected by erectile dysfunction.
Tobacco smoking is well known as a risk factor for the development of many diseases and also it is a danger for erectile dysfunction.
In fact, smoking promotes the development of erectile dysfunction in two ways.
- On the one hand, the supply of the penis via the arteries is impaired analogously to CHD due to the atherosclerotic effect of numerous smoke constituents. In addition, the function of the cavernous bodies is impaired by the fact that the cavernous muscles comparable to the muscles of the arterial wall lose their elasticity. Thus, the complete relaxation of erectile tissue is difficult, but this is, in turn, the condition for a sufficient blood flow into the erectile tissue and subsequently for the erection.
- On the other hand, a negative circulation occurs when there has been no erection for a long time: Due to the insufficient supply of oxygen, elastic fibers form in the cavernous musculature which also reduces the ability to relax.
One study showed a clear correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked daily and the severity of ED. The proportion of men with a daily consumption of more than 20 cigarettes and ED was significantly higher than that of smokers who consumed less than 20 cigarettes daily.
ED as the first sign of generalized vascular disease:
The onset of ED is associated with endothelial cells dysfunction. Several studies show that ED is the first warning sign of generalized vascular disease. For example, men with ED have a 65% higher risk of developing CHD and 43% more risk of insulin compared to men with normal erectile function.
Stop smoking affects erectile function:
Due to the numerous nicotine-associated diseases, smoking therapy plays a central role as a basic therapy in various indications. Patients with ED should be made aware that the negative consequences of smoking due to nicotine abstinence are partially reversible.
Investigations have shown that tobacco smokers were able to improve erectile function in former smokers: In 25% of former smokers, erectile function improved within one year of quitting smoking. In addition, after refraining from smoking, there was an improvement in the flow mechanics of the blood in the penis.
Smoking also affects bladder cancer:
In addition to ED, smoking with bladder cancer promotes another urological disease. It is striking that the incidence of bladder cancer in men has doubled in the last 20 years. The cause of the increased incidence of bladder cancer is attributed primarily to their altered smoking behavior and the increase in smokers.
