Puffing Your Way to Infertility

The harmful health effects of smoking has been
documented for many years. It has been known that
smoking is responsible for a number of ailments like
bronchitis, high blood pressure, pneumonia, lung
cancer, emphysema, and may actually shorten one's
lifespan for up to 10 years. Smokers also increase
the risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that
weakens the bones, making them prone to breakage and
other injuries. Recent studies show that smoking is
probably one of the reasons why many couples are
faced with fertility problems.
A number of studies show that smoking is also a
factor that affects sexual health. Excessive
cigarette use has been linked to difficulties in
getting and maintaining an erection. Many toxins
present in cigarettes, especially carbon monoxide,
can damage the circulatory system. The toxins from
cigarettes hinder the flow of blood to and in the
penis. Blood circulation is necessary for attaining
and maintaining an erection. Male smokers in their
30s or 40s may increase the risk of having erectile
dysfunction (ED) by almost 50 percent. Smoking
damages the blood vessels and, specifically, the
nicotine content of cigarettes narrows the arteries
that carries blood to the penis. Reduced blood flow
and pressure in in the penis may lead to erection
difficulties.
In addition, high blood pressure, an ailment that can
be developed through smoking, may lead to low
testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is a primary
male hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual
arousal. Low testosterone levels lead to decreased
arousal and sexual performance. Toxins found in
cigarettes may harm the testes. Smoking may affect
the semen and the sperm, reducing their mobility and
quality. Men who smoke tend to have lower sperm
counts and malformed sperms than their non-smoking
counterparts.
Female infertility may also be damaged because of
smoking. Medical studies suggest that many substance
found in cigarettes may harm the ovaries. Studies
show that women who smoke or have smoked in the past
may encounter difficulties getting pregnant. The
chances of conceiving may be decreased by up to 40
percent each menstrual cycle. The longer a woman
smokes, the more difficult it would be for her to get
pregnant. The effects of smoking on sexual health
have been taken for granted all these because the
effects have been focused on the cardiovascular and
circulatory system.
Other health problems that can be encountered through
smoking may include the following:
• bad breath
• stained teeth and gums
• smelly clothes
• difficulty keeping up with friends with
sports activities
• high blood pressure increased risk of
developing cataracts
• acid taste in the mouth
• ulcer
• paler skin and more wrinkles
Understanding the adverse effects of smoking on
overall health may become a motivation for many to
quit smoking. However, quitting smoking may be easier
said than done. But because of modern technology,
there are now various products and medications that
are out in the market that are designed to help
individuals quit smoking. These products may help a
smoker cut the habit by making them more comfortable
and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes.
Many quit smoking products are available over the
counter, it is best to seek the approval of health
professionals to clarify side effects and drug
interactions that may be developed while under
medication. With the right tools and attitude,
quitting smoking can be easier than others think.