Impotence and Smoking – Cancer Is Not the Only Harm of Tobacco Products!

How Does Smoking Cause Impotence?

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, may result from various physical and psychological factors. Smoking is among the important physical factors. Smoking damages blood vessels, and erection problems often result from poor blood supply to the penis through the arteries. Smoking-related impotence results from the effects of chemicals on blood vessels in the penis.

After receiving nerve signals, arteries in the penis widen, and an erection occurs when they fill with blood. The nerves respond to sexual arousal signals from the brain. Even if the nervous system works well, an erection may be physically impossible if blood vessels have become unhealthy because of smoking.

Research has shown an association between smoking and erectile dysfunction. It is also noteworthy that substantial evidence suggests secondhand smoke may cause erection problems. The good news is that most of these studies found evidence that quitting smoking may help improve erectile function.

Does Smoking Contribute to Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Cancer?

Smoking carries many health risks and can harm almost every part of the body. Chemicals in cigarette smoke adversely affect blood vessels. These chemicals damage the heart, brain, kidneys and other tissues and are among the factors that substantially increase cancer risk.

Both smoking and the cancer experience may negatively affect patients’ sex lives. Sexual dysfunction, functional changes, physical deformity and changing relationship dynamics can be challenging. Sexual dysfunction is an important problem affecting quality of life in patients with cancer.

Sexual dysfunction after cancer treatment is common. Some cancers may require surgical removal of part or all of the sexual organs, radiation therapy may damage or completely destroy nerves, and hormone therapy may cause hormonal changes. All of these can make sexual intercourse difficult or sometimes impossible. However, this varies according to disease stage and the treatment received.

- Related topic: 5 things a patient with cancer and their partner should know about sexuality

To summarize smoking, which both increases cancer risk and causes significant sexual problems: there is a long and striking list of reasons to quit, yet despite all warnings, millions of people worldwide still smoke. Statistics also show very high numbers of smoking-related deaths. Smoking causes %20 of all cancers and 30 percent of all cancer-related deaths. Even more upsetting is that almost 10 percent of these deaths result from exposure to secondhand smoke.

You Can Get Professional Help to Quit Smoking and Address Sexual Problems

Many ways to quit smoking have now been described, and many arrangements are available to support and ease this decision. For impotence or other sexual function problems, you may not know where to seek help; urologists and psychiatrists are among the specialists you can consult. Sexual problems are not unique to you but are a common health issue. However, if you smoke, quitting is one of the first things you should do for impotence.

If you tried quitting smoking and started again, do not lose hope. Think differently this time.

We recommend the following steps to help you quit smoking:

• Make a list of your reasons for wanting to quit, and also write down why you could not quit during previous attempts,
• Be aware of smoking triggers (such as drinking alcohol or coffee).
• Get support from family and friends. Do not hesitate to admit that you need help overcoming a strong addiction such as smoking. 
• Talk to your doctor about nonprescription medicines that help with quitting smoking. If you use them, always follow their instructions. 
• When you want to smoke, develop new behaviors that keep you from smoking, such as exercise or hobbies. 
• Be prepared for cravings and setbacks. Some difficulties are normal and do not mean you cannot succeed.

Related Topic

How can I quit smoking?