Smoking kills sex

Dr John Spangler’s study at Wake Forest University Baptists Medical Centre established that people who smoke are 26 times more likely to have Erectile Dysfunction. Smokers in their thirties and forties have an increased risk. Erection can occur only when adequate blood can flow freely into the penis. For this, the health of the blood vessel has to be good. A network of blood vessels keeps all our organs functional by supplying them with nourishment and oxygen. These blood vessels are lined internally with endothelium. Endothelium is the seat of many chemical reactions which ultimately determine the amount of blood flowing through the arteries and thereby into the organs. When this endothelium is damaged it cannot relax and allow sufficient blood to flow through. Nicotine damages this endothelium and hardens the arteries, and smoking also raises blood pressure. This can be responsible for erection problems and can also damage the coronary arteries in the heart.

The effect of this insufficient blood supply will be felt in the penis before the dysfunctional heart starts showing symptoms. In other words, Erectile Dysfunction has become a predictor of future heart problems.

Smoking affects a woman’s sexual health too. By narrowing the blood vessels in the vagina, it adversely affects adequate lubrication and makes sex a painful chore. By reducing blood flow to the clitoris, its engorgement is affected and consequently a woman’s ability to reach orgasm is jeopardised.

Tips for smokers: Undergo Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Seek the help of a specialist in Deaddiction.

The writer is a sexologist. Mail him at dr.narayana@deccanmail.com