Smoking and erectile dysfunction: what studies show and what may help
The medical journal International Brazilian Journal of Urology published in 2020 a study associating smoking and erectile dysfunction. The risk serves as a warning and motivation for men to quit the habit.
In the study, conducted by Turkish specialists with 163 men aged 30 to 60 years, researchers applied a questionnaire before quitting and three months after successful smoking cessation.
After the smoke-free period, there was a significant improvement in responses—especially in erectile function—with the proportion of men with moderate or severe erectile dysfunction falling from 51% to 27%.
The study indicates that quitting smoking is associated with improved male sexual function, particularly the ability to achieve and maintain an erection, reinforcing the direct relationship between smoking and impotence.
Learn more about the link between smoking and erectile dysfunction and whether the harms of this habit to sexual life can be mitigated.
How smoking can cause impotence
Smoking can contribute to impotence because, among its 4,000 substances, at least 60 are proven toxic, such as nicotine.
Some components are vasoconstrictors—that is, they reduce blood flow, including to the penile region. Since erection depends on adequate blood supply, it may be compromised in people who smoke.
Smoking is also associated with medical conditions that contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases;
- Hypertension;
- Atherosclerosis.
How long does smoking take to affect erectile function?
There is no specific time after which a man will develop erectile dysfunction due to smoking.
This risk depends on factors such as amount consumed, genetic predisposition, overall health, and lifestyle.
According to the same study, male sexual function is proportional to tobacco exposure. In other words, the longer and heavier the smoking, the higher the risk.
Among men who smoked more than 101 packs per year, quitting was not as favorable for erectile function. This amount is usually seen in long-term smokers.
Continuous smoking can cause arteries to clog and dilate less, gradually reducing blood flow in the penile vessels.
Consequences of smoking for sexual health
There are several consequences of smoking for sexual health—good reasons to consider quitting. See below:
- Erectile dysfunction: erection problems may occur because smoking impairs circulation and increases the likelihood of conditions linked to difficulty or inability to get an erection.
- Reduced libido: smoking is generally associated with lower testosterone, a hormone important for libido and sexual desire.
- Fertility issues: sperm quality may be affected, which can delay the possibility of pregnancy.
Does quitting smoking end impotence?
Smoking and impotence are associated, and quitting may benefit erectile function.
After quitting, vascular function may improve, helping to restore penile blood flow and favoring firmer erections.
In some cases, significant improvement is observed, depending on vascular compromise and other health factors.
However, when penile blood vessels are extensively obstructed, meaningful improvement may be difficult with smoking cessation alone.
Penile tissues may also be affected by fibrosis due to repeated attempts at penetration with poor-quality erections.
It is important to note that even electronic cigarettes have been associated with higher odds of erectile dysfunction—reported by researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Although e-cigarettes are often used as a transition for those trying to quit, positive effects on erections are unlikely with this type of product.
Is impotence caused by smoking curable?
Erectile dysfunction associated with smoking can often be managed effectively, depending on individual evaluation by a specialist.
Deciding to quit and finding strategies for it is a positive step. Managing dependence can be challenging and psychological support may be necessary.
In parallel, treatment may include oral or physician-prescribed injectable therapies that can help with rigidity during intercourse.
In more severe cases that do not respond to medication, surgery with a penile prosthesis may be considered.
Tips to support erections after quitting
After quitting smoking, adopting a healthy lifestyle may help mitigate harms to both erections and overall health.
Regular physical activity can improve circulation throughout the body, including the penis. Aerobic exercises are often recommended.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins also supports vascular health and, consequently, erectile function. Highly processed foods rich in saturated fats and added sugars may worsen the picture.
Read also: 15 foods that may support male sexual performance
Finally, good sleep is essential. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect energy, mood, and contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Why professional evaluation matters
Consulting a urologist can be important to assess the impact of tobacco on sexual performance—even if you are not planning to quit right now.
If erections are not firm enough for penetration or do not last long enough to reach climax in most encounters, a medical evaluation and appropriate tests may be advisable.
Learn more with Dr. Paulo Egydio
Dr. Paulo Egydio provides educational content on smoking and erectile dysfunction and highlights that individualized assessment helps identify suitable approaches.
After diagnosis, the physician can outline options tailored to each case and encourage strategies for smoking cessation when appropriate.
Learn more about pre-assessment and how to receive guidance aligned with your clinical profile.
