We know that smoking is a major contributor to erectile dysfunction (ED). Many research studies reported that smoking ordinary cigarettes can develop erectile dysfunction due to the presence of nicotine and other harmful chemicals. Over time, ordinary cigarettes got replaced by many smoking alternatives like vaping. However, can vaping also cause erectile dysfunction? This article will explain how vaping is connected to erectile dysfunction and provide tips on how to improve your sexual health.
Vaping involves the use of an electronic cigarette that vaporizes nicotine and inhales its vapor. Moreover, they are highly addictive.
Nicotine is the major constituent present in tobacco. It is the best stimulant to produce pleasure and euphoria while inhaling it as vapor and that’s what makes you addicted to vaping.
Similar to traditional cigarettes, regular vaping has only a few side effects such as the quick onset of coughing, difficulty in breathing, and losing weight.
Compared to traditional cigarettes, vapes and electronic cigarettes deliver more nicotine. Hence, when you vape a lot, you will experience more sexual complications.
Same long-lasting effects as the weekend pill (up to 36 hours of play), at half the cost.
Nicotine is an effective vasoconstrictor (agent that can narrow blood vessels).
The use of nicotine and other chemicals in vape reduces the ability of blood vessels to widen. As they become narrow, it reduces blood flow to the penis. Hence, it becomes more difficult to achieve and maintain erection, and that’s what causes erectile dysfunction.
Nicotine can also disturb hormone regulation in the pituitary gland. Hence, there will be a drop in testosterone level which contributes to the development of erectile dysfunction.
Nitric acid stimulates the lining in the blood vessels (endothelial lining) and muscles of the penis to widen and allow the blood to enter in and get trapped to achieve and maintain an erection. It is believed that vaping causes a reduction in nitric acid secretion as well as problems in this endothelial lining, leading to erectile dysfunction.
Yes.
Studies reveal that there is a connection between ED and vaping.
A recent 2021 study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported that healthy males aged between 20 to 65 with no past history of cardiovascular disease who vaped nicotine every day were greater than twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction when compared to non-smokers.
In case you have no pre-existing stress problems or lifestyle disorders, it could be possible that an increase in nicotine consumption through vaping causes ED associated with emotional issues such as depression, performance anxiety, shame, and inadequacy.
Proper blood circulation is the key to a healthy erection. Avoid and quit the use of cigarettes.
Initially, start reducing the use of vapes to get over craving and then stop its use. Furthermore, follow lifestyle changes like consuming a healthy diet and regular exercise to reduce the risk of ED.
Stopping the craving is not easy but possible. You can perform activities such as chewing gums or candies and using a fidget to keep your mouth and hands busy.
Furthermore, the doctor will help you find the right nicotine replacement treatment along with other strategies to help you stop smoking. For ED treatment, they will recommend oral PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra (Sildenafil), since they can increase the blood flow to the penis region by blocking PDE5 enzymes present in the walls of blood vessels.
Keep in mind that nicotine ingestion can even damage your blood vessels permanently if used for a prolonged duration.
Still, you have good news! If you have nicotine-related ED, you will get rid of it quickly and significantly once you curb your vaping habit. If ED still persists, consult the doctor to discuss any possible lifestyle or hormone-related concerns.
Here at Noah, our doctors have enough expertise and experience to help you assess if vaping is the root cause of your erectile dysfunction problem. Hearing your individual concerns, they will suggest the right treatment or prescribe medications that suit your requirements.
Articles featured on Noah are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
Omar El-Shahawy, Tanmik Shah, Olufunmilayo H. Obisesan, et al. Association of E-Cigarettes with Erectile Dysfunction: The Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study, American Journal of Preventive Medicine (ISSN 0749-3797) 2021: 62(1): 26-38. (Link)
