Why is smoking bad for general health?
Tobacco use is considered bad for your health, and sexual health is no exception. On top of increased rates of lung cancer and other tumors, countless studies have demonstrated a significantly higher cardiovascular risk for smokers. While there seems to be a dose-response relationship, meaning that “heavy smokers” have higher risk than “casual smokers”, there seems to be no safe threshold for cigarette use.
Why is smoking bad for male sexual health?
Concerning sexual health, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction is increased among smokers: several factors are involved, such as endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, as well as vasospasm of penile arteries. Testosterone production might also be decreased by the use of tobacco. Smoking cessation is potentially able to induce ED remission or at least halt its progression to more severe forms.
What about reproductive health?
Effects of smoking on spermatogenesis have also been investigated in the last decades. The accumulation of toxic substances such as cadmium, arsenic, and lead, produced by combustion of tobacco leaves (and paper, to a lesser extent), can affect spermatogenesis, increase oxidative stress and cause sperm DNA damage, impairing the mechanisms necessary for fertilization.
Are e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn devices safe?
Generally speaking, these devices carry substantially lower risks for health compared to traditional tobacco use since they do not produce tar and carbon monoxide. However, they should not be considered “safe” devices and completely abstaining from smoking is the only “safe” approach to tobacco use.
Certer Report Bonn
