Impotence is a very common problem. One in ten men has been shown to have a problem achieving or sustaining an erection at some point in their lives. Men who smoke run an increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction. The more cigarettes smoked, the greater the risk. Smoking is a deadly habit, as proven in many studies over several years. New research has shown evidence that smoking may be a major cause of erectile dysfunction. Studies shown indicate that the impact smoking has on a man's ability to get and maintain an erection show that plaque builds up in the arteries, called atherosclerosis. The plaque obstructs blood flow through the vessels, which causes a host of circulatory problems in the body. One of which is erectile dysfunction.

Men who smoke more than 20 cigarettes each day have a 60% higher risk of erectile dysfunction compared to men who have never smoked. Impotence is more likely to occur in smokers than in non-smokers, plus exposure to second hand smoke is a significant factor in becoming impotent. Functioning sexually requires the coordination of several functions, including the nervous system, hormones, and the vascular system, which pumps blood into the muscle tissue that maintains the erection. Smoking can and usually does, affect these systems which can lead to impotence. Studies have also shown that men who have high blood pressure and are smokers are 30% more likely to have erectile dysfunction than non-smokers.

Many diseases caused by smoking involve blocking of the arteries. This means that smoking inhibits the flow of blood throughout the body. Long term studies also show that smoking causes more physiological damage, meaning that current smokers are twice as likely to experience impotence as non-smokers. It is completely possible to partially or fully recover erectile function by quitting smoking. However, anyone who has ever had an addiction to nicotine will tell you this is not an easy feat. The problem in recovery after smoking cessation is the degree of damage that has been inflicted and determining which system has been affected. The greater amount of time spent smoking, the greater the damage to the biological systems which cause impotence.

Additional causes of impotence are alcohol intake, epilepsy, depression, and some psychosis. There are also a number of medications which can cause impotence. Men who suffer sexual dysfunction after starting any new medications should immediately talk to their physician about possible side effects. By quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, reducing alcohol consumption, and taking steps to reduce stress, men can help control erectile dysfunction. Although erectile dysfunction is not a life threatening condition, it does compromise well being and the quality of life. Adults can maintain an enjoyable and active sex life well into their later years by taking an active role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The important thing to remember is that it's never too late to begin. Working with a physician to determine which smoking cessation tools would work best for each individual situation is the best place to begin on the journey to good health.

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