Nicotine is a poisonous and addictive substance found in tobacco, tobacco products, and tobacco smoke. It has many negative health effects, especially on the cardiovascular system. Does nicotine cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? Yes, nicotine from chronic smoking can result in ED. Continue reading, and we will tell you more about nicotine, its negative effects, and the connection between nicotine and erectile dysfunction.
A Quick Primer On Nicotine
Nicotine is a chemical naturally present in tobacco leaf. In addition to being present in tobacco-containing products, nicotine is also used in insecticides.
When nicotine enters the body, it causes the brain to release the chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain. It helps control memory, movement, and mood. It is also called the feel-good neurotransmitter because it gets released when the body experiences pleasure. This means that nicotine causes you to temporarily feel good. This feel-good feeling makes nicotine addictive and encourages people to continue smoking or using products that contain nicotine. According to an article published by the Government of Canada in 2022, 12% of Canadians aged 15 years and older are smokers. This is an alarming number considering the host of health issues stemming from nicotine abuse.
The Connection Between Nicotine And Erectile Dysfunction
Nicotine effects on erectile dysfunction vary per person. It depends on the amount of nicotine that a person absorbs. It also depends on the overall state of health of a person. Let’s take a deep dive into nicotine, its effects on the body, and how it can lead to erectile dysfunction.
Narrowing Of The Blood Vessels
Nicotine can cause vasoconstriction or the narrowing of the blood vessels. Nicotine impairs your body’s ability to dilate blood vessels.
Your blood vessels carry oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to various parts of your body. When your blood vessels narrow, you can experience increased blood pressure. Narrow blood vessels also result in reduced blood flow. This means that there will be less blood flowing into your penis to help you achieve erection.
High blood pressure is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Having high blood pressure for an extended period results in damage to the circulatory system. Antihypertensive medication or those that help treat high blood pressure can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
Nitric Oxide Levels
Nitric oxide is a type of gas that helps relax the muscles in the penis. When the muscles of the penis are relaxed, they allow more blood to flow. A healthy flow of blood is crucial in achieving and maintaining a robust erection. Nicotine decreases nitric oxide production, making it more challenging for your body to receive a healthy blood flow.
Aside from nicotine, age also plays a factor in nitric oxide production. As people age, their bodies produce less nitric oxide. This means that if you smoke and are of advanced age, you are impairing your body’s nitric oxide production on two fronts and increasing your chances of experiencing ED because of aging and nicotine exposure.
Long-Term Vascular Damage
Nicotine can cause long-term vascular damage by constricting the blood vessels. We’ve already mentioned that nicotine narrows the arteries, but there are also long-term effects that you should worry about. Blood vessels that are always constricted become stiff or less elastic, preventing a healthy blood flow. Nicotine also increases your risk of blood clots in your arteries. Blood clots block blood flow to your penis. Blood clots can also cause more serious and pressing health issues. A blood clot in an artery to your brain results in a stroke. A blood clot in an artery leading to the heart results in a heart attack.
Effects On Testosterone Levels
Nicotine affects your body’s testosterone levels. The Canadian Journal of Urology cited low testosterone levels as one of the major risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the development of masculine characteristics in men. It helps men build muscles. It is responsible for male hair patterns, including body hair, facial hair, and armpit hair.
Testosterone is also the hormone that enhances sex drive. Low testosterone levels can lead to lower libido. Lower sex drive can make achieving an erection more challenging for men. Testosterone levels drop as a man ages. This means that if you are over the age of 30 and smoke, you might have lower testosterone levels and are more prone to erectile dysfunction.
Psychological Effects
Although nicotine can cause a temporary feeling of relaxation, long-term exposure to nicotine can lead to increased anxiety levels. Constant exposure to nicotine can alter brain chemistry. This can make smokers more susceptible to anxiety and mood swings. According to an article published by HealthLink BC, anxiety is one of the causes of erectile dysfunction.
Anxiety is also common to long-time nicotine users who are trying to quit. Quitting leads to a drop in nicotine levels in the body. This drop results in withdrawal symptoms that include irritability, jumpiness, and restlessness, all of which can manifest as anxiety.
How To Avoid Erectile Dysfunction Because Of Nicotine
Now that you know all about nicotine and its negative health effects, how do you avoid erectile dysfunction caused by nicotine? The best way is to quit smoking or using products that contain nicotine. This might be a tall order because quitting can be very challenging. Here are some practical tips you can try:
Motivate yourself – Think of powerful reasons for quitting. Think of the health issues associated with nicotine and smoking, like lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, and others. Think about the burden that your loved ones might have to bear if you get sick because of nicotine addiction.
Quit cold turkey – Quitting cold turkey is the hardest but the most effective method. Going cold turkey means to quit smoking at once. Before quitting cold turkey, be sure to prepare yourself because you will experience an intense craving for nicotine. Inform family members and friends of what you are doing so they can help you get through your nicotine craving.
Chewing on candies, celery, carrots, or apples are recommended substitutes for smoking. The act of chewing keeps your mouth busy and might help stop the psychological need to smoke.
Avoid triggers – Triggers are activities or places that you associate with smoking. For example, if you always smoke while drinking alcohol, avoid drinking while trying to quit. Go to places where smoking is not allowed, like cinemas, malls, or amusement parks.
Nicotine replacement therapy – Nicotine replacement therapy means using products with low doses of nicotine to help you quit. Common nicotine replacements include patches and gums. You can gradually reduce the dose of nicotine until you are no longer craving it.
Seek professional help – Enlisting professional help can increase your chances of success when quitting. A therapist can provide you with proven tips to help manage your nicotine craving.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction Because of Nicotine
If you are battling nicotine erectile dysfunction, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Healthcare providers can offer tailored advice and treatment to address the underlying causes of your condition.
One effective solution is custom erectile dysfunction medication. Unlike one-size-fits-all treatments you find in pharmacies, custom medications are formulated specifically for your individual needs and health profile. This personalized approach not only increases the effectiveness of the treatment but also minimizes potential side effects that may arise.
Working with a healthcare professional means you can discuss any concerns about your nicotine use and receive guidance on cessation methods. Don’t let nicotine dictate your sexual health. Reach out to a professional today and explore how custom ED medication can help you regain control and enhance your quality of life.
To get started, book a FREE consultation with the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) — a leading telehealth clinic that specializes in male sexual dysfunctions. MHC is partnered with licensed Canadian doctors who provide a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment (medication, sex therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, and nutrition) to help improve your health and restore your confidence in the bedroom.
Conclusion
Nicotine is a highly poisonous and addictive chemical that’s responsible for a wide range of health issues. Does nicotine cause erectile dysfunction? Yes, it does. It causes erectile dysfunction by damaging your blood vessels, causing hypertension, triggering anxiety, and reducing testosterone levels. Avoiding products containing tobacco, like cigarettes and vapes, helps make you healthier and less prone to ED. If you think that you have a nicotine addiction, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Free yourself from the grasp of nicotine so you can have a healthier body and sex life.
