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A lot of men deal with the problem of erectile dysfunction at some point in their life. But did you know that men who smoke have double chances of developing erectile dysfunction in comparison to non-smokers? Well, this fact may make you worried if you are a smoker and occasionally face the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man is unable to either achieve or sustain the erection of the penis. There are various physical and psychological factors associated with this problem of erectile dysfunction. Smoking along with alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating habits, and being inactive definitely contribute majorly to the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
We all know that smoking is highly injurious to health and many of us still can’t keep away from it. Most people give in to this habit and neglect its ill effects until the time they cause us major health issues.
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Facts you probably didn’t know about smoking
Fact 1– According to a recent study carried out in China on 4764 men, people who used to smoke 20 cigarettes every day had a 60 percent increased chance of erectile dysfunction as compared to non-smokers.
Fact 2– Smoking is a major risk factor for Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) and results in one of every four deaths from CVD. Cardio Vascular Diseases are among the common causes of erectile dysfunction.
Let’s gain further insight into how smoking can lead to erectile dysfunction
Cigarette smoking causes damage to almost every organ of the body. The harmful chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco/cigarettes lead to weakening or damaging the blood vessels in the body. The damage or injury in the lining of the veins and arteries is strong enough to majorly affect their functioning. And not just the circulatory system, smoking also injures the functioning of your brain, heart, and kidneys as well.
Smoking also adversely affects your reproductive health and you may start facing the problem of erectile dysfunction frequently. Usually, a man achieves a successful erection when the arteries present in the penis dilate and are full of blood. This expansion of arteries in the penis happens due to the nerve signaling of sexual arousal from the brain. This is how a man is able to achieve an erection.
But in cases where smoking has done enough damage to the blood vessels, it restricts the blood flow to the penis. Thus, arteries in the penis cannot expand and fill with blood. Even if they do, the erection goes down in just a few seconds. Such a condition can obviously become frustrating for a male. The frequent episodes of erectile dysfunction can even lead to emotional turbulence between partners. This further adds up to their stress and anxiety and may worsen the problem of erectile dysfunction.
Note- When erectile dysfunction becomes severe and you still continue to smoke and drink alcohol, it may result in total impotence. Thus, quitting smoking can save you from a lot of health troubles.
Now, do you realize what all it may cost you when you choose the temporary pleasure you experience while smoking? Giving up on smoking will not just benefit you physically but improve your life state mentally too.
Tips that will help you in quitting smoking
- If you are a chain smoker, do not suddenly stop smoking. It will cause withdrawal symptoms. Gradually and consistently decrease the number of cigarettes you smoke every day.
- Start practicing yoga and stretching exercises every day. This will help in keeping your urge to smoke under control. Also, yoga and exercise boost the blood flow to the penis, thereby resolving the problem of erectile dysfunction.
- Avoid a company that makes you want to smoke again. This will only prove to be beneficial for you.
- Keep cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays out of sight. This helps wonderfully as “out of sight out of mind”.
- The process of giving up smoking may not be smooth. In such cases, speak to your doctor regarding the problem. Medical advice reduces stress and motivates you to opt for healthy habits.
- When you feel the overpowering urge to smoke, remind yourself gently about the health benefits you are experiencing after smoking. Don’t forget to remind yourself of your improved sexual health.
- Bring in healthy dietary changes. Eat food rich in Vitamin A, C, and E.
The Bottom Line
It is, of course, crucial to quit smoking and choose a healthy lifestyle over erectile dysfunction. You should also keep in mind that a doctor’s advice is a must. Whether you smoke or not, if you deal with the problem of erectile dysfunction, you should immediately reach out to a specialist. This will save you from all the worries and stress that a delayed treatment might cause.
So, if you are also looking out for a specialist doctor to consult about such a problem, you can book your appointment at Pristyn Care. We are more than happy to put an end to your health problems.
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