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Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Tom Earnshaw
A doctor has issued a smoking warning when it comes to suffering from, and preventing, erectile dysfunction (ED).
Having problems with getting it up becomes more common as you get older. In fact, around half of all guys will encounter issues with it at some point or another.
But you're likely to get it earlier in life for a number of reasons; some of them being due to a very common medicine that is taken daily by some.
Obviously, there are other medications out there for those struggling to get their manhood to work as they want. But you can limit the chances of you ever needing to have it by listening to the advice of medical professionals.
It comes after Dr Donald Grant, a GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said he believed ED is linked to taking aspirin or ibuprofen.
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One study from early 2024, entitled 'Potential causal association between aspirin use and erectile dysfunction in European population', found similar to the belief held by Dr Grant.
The paper concluded that there is a 'casual association' between men across the European continent taking aspirin and having issues with erectile dysfunction.
While some men will have to take aspirin for health reasons, especially after suffering a heart attack of being diagnosed with heart disease, one other cause of the downstairs issue can be easily avoided.
Experts on WebMD, working with Dr Nazia Bandukwala, have warned about the link between ED and smoking.
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Rolling a ciggy or smoking a 20 pack is linked to having problems in your nether regions, Dr Bandukwala and co report. Smoking can also cause other problems that are linked to ED, meaning it is somewhat of a downward spiral.
"Men who smoke are about twice as likely to develop ED as nonsmokers. Smoking hampers circulation to all areas of the body, including the genitals, making it tougher to get and keep an erection," they explain.
"Once you quit smoking, your health starts to improve immediately. Your blood pressure improves.
"Your chance of a heart attack goes down. Most importantly for ED prevention, your circulation begins to improve within two to 12 weeks."
Sounds easy enough, right? Well, obviously it's not as simple as that. Quitting something addictive is hard.
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The worst period will be the first two weeks, with the withdrawal symptoms lessening after this.
Remove all smoking paraphernalia from your home and car. We're talking ashtrays, filters, papers, matches, lighters, and of course, the cigarettes or tobacco pouches themselves.
You can consult a doctor if you smoke more than nine a day, as you could be able to receive help from the NHS to quit in these instances.
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Taking up new hobbies and interests is a big one. It'll keep your mind stimulated in other ways and stop it wandering to the idea of having a smoke.
On top of this, try and focus your time around being in places where smoking isn't allowed. Obviously, the pub garden is a big risk here. But instead of that maybe stay inside and let your mates go out and have theirs on their own?