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Extensive studies spanning decades of research have revealed that cigarette smoking is a key contributor to the development of erectile dysfunction. But is vaping linked to erectile dysfunction too?
Turns out, there is a significant association between vaping and erectile dysfunction. And the evidence is quite compelling.
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, people who use e-cigarettes daily are twice more likely to develop erectile dysfunction than people who don’t vape.
The association for this finding is independent of a host of ED-associated factors, like age, obesity, cardiovascular risks, and smoking history. In fact, the link is still significant in people who were otherwise healthy individuals.
With the e-cigarette surge popping up in the last decade, it’s only been in recent years that doctors have uncovered the health risks of this proposed cigarette alternative.
And when it comes to sexual health, it doesn’t stop at erectile dysfunction. Libido problems and delayed ejaculation may also arise from heavy e-cigarette smoking.
Let’s dive into the research behind this association, other vaping health risks, and treatment plans that can be considered to manage sexual dysfunction.
Is Vaping the “Safer” Alternative?
Cigarette smokers often view vaping as a “safer” alternative to smoking tobacco products. And while it’s true that vaping doesn’t expose you and other people to the thousands of chemicals produced when smoking cigarettes, that doesn’t make it a completely safe activity.
In fact, there have been cases wherein people experienced severe lung injury after vaping, also called e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
In a fraction of these cases, particularly those who modify their electronic nicotine delivery systems in a way unintended by the manufacturer, these injuries can be fatal.
Moreover, there have been accounts that vaping aerosols contain ingredients that have not been disclosed by manufacturers, a fraction of which are harmful.
This implies that there’s still a lot of information about vaping that hasn’t been completely understood or disclosed, which only adds to the inherent danger of the activity.
How Does E-Cigarette Vaping Work?
Just like cigarettes, nicotine is the main agent in vaping devices.
Electronic cigarettes work by heating a nicotine-containing liquid, which produces an inhalable vapor. This method reduces the smoke inhaled compared to traditional cigarettes.
However, this doesn’t do away with other symptoms. E-cigarette smoking, just like regular smoking, prompts a series of responses in your body.
For one, it spikes up your adrenaline levels, which consequently increases your heart rate.
Nicotine from e-cigarette smoking also has a vaso-constrictive effect, which can lead to a narrowing of the blood vessels near your heart and other vital organs.
Over time, this exposure can lead to chronic cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Sexual Side Effects of Vaping
In addition to the general health risks your organs go through, constricted blood flow caused by excessive vaping can also lead to a slew of sexual health problems.
While erectile dysfunction is the most prominent sexual risk, it’s not the only condition people with an e-Cigarette smoking history have to worry about.
Sexual health risks associated with vaping include the following:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased testosterone levels
- Delayed sexual arousal
- Low libido
- Psychological problems
1. Erectile Dysfunction
Firstly, vaping and e-Cigarette use can hinder the sufficient flow of blood to the penis.
A healthy stream of blood flow is a necessary component in sustaining an erection in men. Blockages or problems with this functioning can lead men experiencing erectile dysfunction.
2. Decreased Testosterone Levels
Testosterone levels may also sharply dip when men vape excessively. This is because of the nicotine present in vaping, which studies have shown inhibits total serum testosterone growth.
3. Delayed Sexual Arousal
Vaping and cigarette smoking slow down the central nervous system, which is responsible for sexual arousal. As a result, men may take a longer time to rile themselves up for sex.
4. Low Libido
Low libido may also occur as a result of hormonal changes in the body, namely a decrease in testosterone levels.
5. Psychological Problems
Men with sexual difficulties may also face mental health problems like depression, anxiety, shame, and inadequacy.
This can lead to a ravage cycle of an inability to sexually satisfy your partner, which then leads to more psychological distress.
Methods for Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be a distressing condition to face.
Thankfully, there are many ED treatments and lifestyle changes you can try to treat this sexual condition.
- Quit Vaping
For current smokers, a smoking cessation is the best thing you can do for your sexual health.
It can be difficult to kick the habit, but there’s no better way to restore your erectile function than by eliminating all the risk factors. You can try to quit smoking gradually or go cold turkey, whichever suits you best.
- Get Moving
Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but it can also improve blood flow to the penis and reduce stress levels.
Some forms of moderate cardiovascular activity like running, jogging, and swimming can all do wonders for your physical and sexual health.
- RestoreWave Therapy
RestoreWave therapy (or “acoustic wave therapy“) is a new ED treatment that uses a wand-like device to produce sound waves. This device is hovered by a clinician over the affected area, breaking down plaque buildup in the arteries and improving blood flow.
This treatment has shown some promising results, improving erectile function in a non-invasive way.
- Eating a Better Diet
As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.”
Eating a diet that is high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol can damage your arteries and reduce blood flow to the penis.
Instead, try to incorporate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This way, you’ll lose weight sustainably and reduce the onset of diabetes and heart diseases, which all help in mitigating ED risks.
Contact Atlanta’s Leading Men’s Clinic for ED Treatment Options Today
Many people opt to switch to vaping to avoid cigarette smoking health risks while still getting that delightful kick.
But if you’ve never smoked before, don’t plan on starting.
If you are suffering from ED and vaping dependence, talk to a doctor to find the most suitable treatment plan.
The medical professionals at Atlanta’s Priority Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, PE, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
