Erectile dysfunction may be more common among men who
smoke cigarettes than among nonsmokers. An Australian survey of more than 8,300 men aged 16-59 shows that erectile
dysfunction was 40% more likely to occur among men who smoked more than 20
daily cigarettes, compared with nonsmokers. Also, erectile dysfunction was 24%
more likely to occur among men who smoked up to 20 cigarettes per day, compared
with nonsmokers.
The results, published in Tobacco Control, come from researchers
including Christopher Millett of the primary care and social medicine
department of London's Imperial College.
The survey, done by telephone, covered various health topics. More than a
quarter of the men were current 
smokers (27%). Most smoked 20 or fewer daily
cigarettes (about 21%).
Sexually active men were asked, "During the past year has there been a
period of one month or more when you had trouble keeping an erection when you
wanted to?" About 9% of the men said yes.
Smokers were more likely to report erectile dysfunction, which was most
common among men who reported smoking 20 or more daily cigarettes.
The one-time survey didn't track any long-term patterns in smoking or
erectile dysfunction.
'Strong Evidence'
Adjusting for other factors related to erectile dysfunction didn't change
the results. However, erectile dysfunction was less commonly reported among men
who were moderate drinkers and more common among those taking heart
medications. Erectile dysfunction and heart disease share similar
risk factors, the researchers note.
Millett and colleagues point out that they haven't proven that smoking
causes erectile dysfunction. They call for more work on the topic.
Meanwhile, the researchers say their study shows "strong evidence"
of a link between smoking and erectile dysfunction, which may motivate young
men to quit smoking.
Survey Shows Erectile Dysfunction More Common Among Smokers
SOURCES: Millett, C.
Tobacco Control, vol 15: pp 136-139. WebMD
Medical News: "Erectile Dysfunction-Heart Risk Link." News release, BMJ
Specialty Journals.
Quitting smoking can be difficult. My father smoked about a pack a day for at least thirty years. One day he announced he was quitting and that was it. And he was not always that disciplined in all areas of his lfe. But I have seen a number of patients try again and agin to quit without success. As Mark Twain said, "Quitting is easy, I've done it a thousand times."
Nicotine is one of the most powerfully addicting substances known because it both reduces anxiety and
increases alertness. Unfortunately it will not only make you smelly, impotent and wrinkly, it is likely to kill you. According to addiction experts, nicotine is more addictive than heroin. There are many strategies for quitting smoking. I have yet to find one that works for everyone. I think that with such an addictive substance you really have to want to quit for yourself and then there are things that can help with the physical and emotional aspects of addiction.
I am trained in acupuncture desensitization using tiny needles in the ear. This has worked well with heroin addicts but takes repeated treatments until the cycle is broken, often several weeks. EFT helps some peope as does balancing neurotransmitters with amino acid therapy. Hopefully this new finding will help young men find the incentive they need to decide to quit.
Dr. Manlove
© 2009 George Manlove, DC All rights
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