In general, Nicotine can potentially cause erectile dysfunction or impotence issues in men. It is a substance that has psychoactive properties, which alter your mind functions and makes you addicted to its usage. This substance has vasoconstrictive properties which narrow the vascular passages and impairs their function. The primary source of nicotine is cigarettes. Each of you is well aware of the possible damage that smoking can cause to your health. But continue to remain persistent with smoking habits. This blog will help you to understand the link between nicotine and erectile dysfunction.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Some individuals may experience difficulties with their erection function. This is considered quite normal, as there can be various factors responsible for temporary sexual difficulties. However, if you are one of those individuals who encounter these difficulties most often or almost regularly, then that must be a cause of some chronic health condition or some underlying illness or health condition that is contributing to erection dysfunction.
Risk Factors For Sexual Dysfunction
The risk factors for sexual dysfunction can be attributed to old age and chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, cardiovascular disorder, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar or diabetes, etc. An individual is more likely to face such issues due to the impairment of their vascular function, and smoking is one of the major contributors to the same. Nicotine addiction can expose an individual to harmful substances present within the smoke other than nicotine, which leads to the deterioration of vascular health, thereby causing impotence issues.
The link between nicotine and erectile dysfunction
Cigarette smoke consists of nicotine which increases the addiction of individuals, as it compels them to crave it. This addictive substance makes your brain release feel-good chemicals for a short time and makes you active and energetic for some time. For some, smoking is a way to overcome their stress and anxiety. It can make an individual feel high for some time, but the amount of damage it can cause is undeniable.
In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke also contains several harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, tar, and toxic chemicals like benzene, arsenic, and formaldehyde, which can cause incredible damage to your health, particularly vascular health. A healthy vascular system ensures each cell of your body gets adequate nutrients through blood circulation. But the impaired vascular mechanism gradually leads to chronic health conditions like heart disease, hypertension, cholesterol issues, diabetes, and others. These chronic diseases are mainly responsible for causing erectile dysfunction.
The toxic substances present in smoke get assimilated into the bloodstream, and they injure the walls of the blood vessels. The injury caused by the substances is a result of the deprivation of nitric oxide in the walls of the blood vessels. Nitric oxide is a chemical that is necessary for the proper functioning of the vascular mechanism, and its deprivation leads to the constriction of the vascular passages.
Smoking
Moreover, Smoking potentiates vasoconstriction, leading to the depreciation of nitric oxide, and plaque formation in the vascular passages. Formation of plaque or vasoconstriction happens in the blood vessels of the penile, it blocks the flow of blood, which ultimately deprives the penile of adequate blood supply. There are several ED medications available that help in increasing the blood flow to the penile by overcoming blockages. ED medications like Malegra can be great for restoring erection problems.
Lack of blood to the penile cause erection problems, and as the condition worsens, it translates into chronic erectile dysfunction. In this way, smoking gives rise to erection problems, and the damage can be long-term.
Ways to manage nicotine addiction
Moreover, The damage caused by smoking is extremely high. The cravings can wear you down, and this is why you need to give up on your smoking habits as early as possible. Although it might not be easy to cope with the cravings, if you wish to improve your sexual health, then you must learn to manage your addiction.
Given below are some tips that can help you in managing your nicotine urges:
- Throw away your cigarettes and things that remind you of smoking, they may include ashtrays, lighters, matchboxes, etc. By keeping them away from sight will help you in controlling your smoking urges more efficiently.
- Moreover, You can consult your doctor for some aid in managing your cravings. They can prescribe you nicotine replacement therapies including prescription medications, nasal sprays, or inhalers, or you can even go for some non-prescription options such as gum, patches, lozenges, etc.
- Always carry some treats or snacks with you wherever you go. If you feel like smoking, then you can simply have such treats.
- You will see the benefits of physical activity, as it engages your mind and body and keeps you engaged.
- Always remind yourself of the benefits of managing your smoking addiction and how impactful it will be on your sexual health along with your overall health.
Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal
Moreover, Chronic smokers will find it extremely difficult to overcome their smoking habits, and they may even experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms more strongly. The symptoms include:
- Difficulty focusing and concentrating
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Stress and anxiety
- Anger, irritability, and frustration
- Increased hunger
In conclusion
Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, that is found in tobacco. Those who smoke excessively are more prone to sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction. Impotence is more common among smokers. Moreover, Controlling smoking habits or avoiding tobacco usage will improve the health of the vascular mechanism, which has a crucial role in erection function.
