Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a tough – and even embarrassing – topic to talk about. But this is an issue encountered by thousands of Kiwis each year, so you are far from alone. If you’ve found yourself here, then you’re already doing something important: looking for answers.
Whether you’re experiencing ED now or you just want to understand how smoking might affect things down the track, we’re here to help. No judgment or awkwardness here. Today, we’re just unpacking the connection between smoking and erectile dysfunction, what’s going on in your body, and what options are available to help you take back control.
And if you're ready to discuss getting it sorted, our pharmacy team can help you get started. Let’s explore this topic together and help remove some of the stigma.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Broadly speaking, erectile dysfunction is the ongoing difficulty in getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This can be very frustrating or stressful to deal with. Contrary to popular belief, ED isn’t just “in your head”, although how you’re thinking and feeling can impact how easy it is to maintain an erection. Most of the time, ED is often linked to physical causes like blood flow, hormone levels, or nerve function. And one of the biggest lifestyle factors? Smoking.
While it’s very common, affecting around 1 in 5 Kiwi men over 40, this issue is more common in men who smoke. With almost 9% of modern Kiwis identifying as current smokers – that’s around 363,000 people – many men are potentially struggling with ED. But why is it more prevalent in smokers? Let’s dig deeper.
How Does Smoking Affect Erections?
Your lungs and ED might not seem directly related, but there is a major superhighway connecting the two: your blood vessels. Smoking has a direct impact on your blood vessels, and a healthy blood flow is essential for both achieving and maintaining an erection.
Cigarettes contain chemicals like nicotine that damage the walls of your blood vessels, making them much narrower and less flexible. That means, upon arousal, much less blood reaches where it needs to go (and when it does, it doesn’t stay there for long).
Here’s what happens in simple terms:
- First, smoking reduces nitric oxide (NO), a chemical that helps blood vessels relax and widen.
- Once those arteries are narrowed, you’ll likely be dealing with reduced blood flow.
- Less blood flow can lead to weaker or shorter-lasting erections.
Over time, this damage builds up. Some research shows that smokers are up to twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to non-smokers.
Is it just cigarettes?
Not quite. Vaping, cigars, and smokeless tobacco also contain nicotine, which still affects blood vessels. Even though vaping is marketed as a ‘healthier’ alternative to smoking, the reality is that the long-term effects on vascular (and sexual health) for smoking and vaping are likely quite similar. That being said, research in this area is ongoing.
Can Quitting Smoking Reverse Erectile Dysfunction?
In many cases, yes!
The good news is that the body is surprisingly good at healing. Within just a few weeks of quitting smoking, your circulation begins to improve. After several months, many men see noticeable improvements in sexual performance and overall energy levels. Some studies show that men who quit smoking are more likely to regain normal erectile function than those who continue.
When it comes to health, there is rarely a silver bullet. But quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your sexual and general health, and will allow other potential interventions to work more effectively.
What Are the Treatment Options for ED?
If quitting smoking feels like a big step (or if you’re already on that journey), it’s worth knowing that an effective erectile dysfunction medication that treats the symptoms of ED is available from your local Life Pharmacy without a prescription. All you need to do is attend a quick and confidential Erectile Dysfunction Consultation Service at Life Pharmacy.
Sildenafil in NZ – also known as Viagra, Silvasta, Avigra, or Vedafil – is easy to access with the right help. It’s not suitable for all men, as some individuals should not take ED medications. However, a pharmacy consultation can help determine if any factors are preventing you from accessing this medication regularly. For example, if you are taking other medications that might interact with Sildenafil.
Apart from smoking, some other lifestyle factors can help with managing ED, especially in combination with medication. We can support you with tips to manage those factors, including quitting smoking, managing stress, and improving physical health - all of which can have a positive impact on erectile dysfunction.
Finally, if it seems like the ED might be related to an underlying health issue (such as heart disease or diabetes), your pharmacy team can guide you toward the right medical care with a GP referral.
Ultimately, the link between smoking and erectile dysfunction is well established, but that doesn’t mean things are out of your hands. Treating ED is entirely possible with the right help, lifestyle changes, and medication. Accessing that help starts with having the right conversation.
Talk to the team at Life Pharmacy about ED treatment today.
Visit your local Life Pharmacy and ask about our ED Consultation Service. It’s private, fast, and designed to help you feel your best; no pressure, no judgment. You can also book online.
