Can smoking make a man impotent?

Main Category: Smoking / Quit Smoking
Article Date: 14 Jul 2004 - 6:00 PST

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Many studies have suggested that smoking can make a man impotent. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man can't get or keep an erection, which means that his penis is not hard enough to have sex. Another word for ED is impotence.

The amount of blood that goes to the penis is what makes it hard and keeps it that way. When the amount of blood that goes to the penis is limited because of blocked arteries, it may not get or stay hard. Hardening of the arteries and other diseases that affect the blood vessels can therefore cause impotence.

Heavy smoking can cause impotence or make it worse. Studies have shown that smokers have trouble getting and keeping an erection almost twice as often as non-smokers.

Early and continued adoption of a healthy lifestyle will keep arteries healthy and lower the chance of developing impotence. Stopping smoking can make the problem disappear.

A healthy lifestyle includes:

-- Not smoking.

-- Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

-- Eating whole grains and fiber such as whole wheat bread and bran muffins.

-- Eating foods that are low in fats and salt.

-- Drinking alcohol in moderation.

-- Exercising 3 times a week.

Canadian Health Network

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