To question whether smoking is bad for you or whether it affects your libido or has an impact on erectile dysfunction, is like questioning whether fish are waterproof.
The answer should be a no-brainer – there is one simple answer – Yes!
Smoking which can lead to diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, is perhaps the most significant risk factor for impotence related to arteriosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
The whole body and all organs rely on blood supply and when that is hampered through hardening and narrowing of arteries, several areas including the heart, lungs and all limbs will feel the negative effects.
The results are clinically proven beyond doubt; they lead to heart disease, cancer, stroke to name just a few.
The purpose of this article though is to elaborate on another critical side effect of smoking which may not be so well known – erectile dysfunction
Generally, erectile dysfunction should not effect men until they are in the 60’s however research has proven that men in their 30’s ad 40’s who are smokers are far more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than non-smokers. In fact the risk of this happening to smokers in that age group is up to 50% higher than for non-smokers.
Why is that so?
Well, lets examine what happens when a man is sexually aroused….let’s go one step back, for a man to get aroused in the first place a complex chain of events takes place in the brain which involves the nervous and vascular systems.
Neurotransmitters in the brain including nitric oxide initiate the process and stimulation, be it physiological or physical, send messages to the vascular system which in turn results in increased blood flow to the penis.
Once a man is aroused what happens next?
Nitric oxide released in the nerves is responsible for causing the penile muscles to relax and allow rapid blood flow. So blood makes it’s way to the penis and gets trapped which makes the penis swell and attain an erection.
Smoking fact #1
Smoking and excess weight reduce nitric oxide production because they impair breathing.
In order for a man to get an erection, blood needs to make it’s way through two arteries to erectile tissue in the penis, where it gets trapped and makes the penis swell and attain an erection. Elastic sheathes which enclose the erectile tissue cinch to prevent blood leaving during erection until stimulation ends or following ejaculation.
Reduced blood flow to the penis and nerve damage are the most common physical causes of ED and vascular Disease is one of them. Arteriosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, thus reducing blood flow throughout the body.
Nicotine constricts blood flow thus affecting blood flow to the male genitals which in turn affect an erection.
Smoking fact #2
Smoking is perhaps the most significant risk factor for impotence related to arteriosclerosis.
Nicotine in cigarettes also leads to acute vasospasm, a condition where the valve mechanism in the penis is trapped and leads to quick contractions of the penile tissue.
Nicotine also results in lower sperm count and the sperm taking on an abnormal shape.
So where does this “testosterone” come into play?
Testosterone is produced by the testicles and is the hormone primarily responsible for the development of male sex and reproductive organs. At it’s highest level around the age of 40, testosterone facilitates the development of male sex characteristics such as muscles, development of a deeper voice, facial and body hair and production of sperm.
Normal testosterone levels maintain energy level, healthy mood, fertility, and sexual desire. As men get older the levels of testosterone decrease, which in turn has an affect on their sexual desires.
Smoking fact #3
Smoking lowers testosterone levels in men, which means it affects their sexual mood.
Apart from all the negative effects smoking has on your sex drive and ability to enjoy sex, cigarette smoke contains thousands of deadly chemicals including carbon monoxide, nicotine and butadiene all directly or indirectly associated with the destruction of the vascular system in your body.
So what can I do to reverse or change the damages already done?
Perhaps the best ways to increase your nitric oxide production and thus increase your blood flow and improve your symptoms of erectile dysfunction is by exercising, losing weight, and quitting smoking.
There are several natural cures and remedies for erectile dysfunction and in the context of this article we refer to smoking.
So, what are the remedies?
QUIT CIGARETTES NOW! – STOP SMOKING ALTOGETHER!!
The benefits of quitting smoking are that non-smokers have a lower risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Quitting smoking can help some men partly or fully restore erectile function.
Quitting smoking can be very difficult and there is no single best way that works for all people. Get help with quitting if you need it. Choose a smoking cessation program and quit smoking today!
Maintain a healthy weight
According to The American Urological Association (AUA), overweight men are more likely to have ED
Exercise regularly
– To get the most benefit, you should exercise at least 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week – even better four to five times a week is best.
Regular exercise can improve your health in many ways. Along with improving erectile function, exercise can:
- Strengthen the heart
- Improve the flow of oxygen in the blood
- Build energy levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve muscle tone and strength
- Strengthen and build bones
- Help reduce body fat
- Help reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression
- Boost self-image and self-esteem
- Improve sleep
- Make you feel more relaxed and rested
- Make you look fit and healthy
Reduce cholesterol
High cholesterol can damage the linings of blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the penis.
Cholesterol also can harden, narrow, or block the arteries leading to the penis. Men can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise, and medication.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are leading causes of temporary ED. Less stress can mean improved erectile functioning.
The key message to you – STOP SMOKING !! – Start Exercising – Maintain a healthy weight – Reduce cholesterol and get on a healthy diet.
Now YOU can Kick The Habit For Good In Just 38 Minutes & 13 Seconds …Guaranteed!
So start taking control and start enjoying a healthier life style and sex life.
