Health Issues | Sex & Smoking
...Men prefer women who don't smoke - Women prefer men who don't smoke...
Men
Smoking can ruin a man's sex life. It affects every part of the body and the sexual and reproductive parts are no exception.
Erections
Fact - Men who smoke are twice as likely to suffer from impotence or erectile dysfunction as non-smokers. (This means that they can't get or keep an erection long enough to have sex)
Fact - In the UK around 120,000 men in their 30's and 40's suffer from impotence caused by smoking
When a man has an erection the blood flows under pressure into the arteries of the penis. To maintain the erection the veins that carry the blood flow out of the penis become tighter. This reduces blood flow out of the penis. Smoking causes a build-up of fatty deposits in the blood vessels which slow down the blood flow to the penis. Smoking also damages the valves in the veins that keep the blood in the penis during an erection. Quitting can help but the longer you smoke the more the damage is irreversible
Male Libido
Fact - Researchers have shown that smoking reduces sexual desire and satisfaction even in men in their 20's and 30's.
Fact - Smokers have less sex than non-smokers
Fact - Smokers rate their enjoyment of sex lower than that of non-smokers
Male Infertility
Fact - Male smokers have less ejaculate and fewer sperm
Fact - Male smokers have less mobile sperm
Fact - Male smokers have fewer Y-chromosome sperm
Fact - Male smokers have less testosterone
Cancer of the Penis
Fact - Cancer of the penis is rare but deadly and treatment involves amputation of part or all of the penis.
Professor of Reproductive Medicine
To find out more about the effects smoking has on men click here.
Women
Smoking can damage a woman's sex life and cause problems whether she is trying to get pregnant or not.
Sexual Arousal
Fact - Smoking can affect female sexual arousal
During sexual arousal a woman's labia, clitoris and vagina swell up with blood just like a mans penis. This increases her arousal and sensation. Smoking blocks and hardens the blood vessels all over the body.
Contraceptive Pill
Fact - Smoking and taking the 'pill' is a cause for concern.
Fact - Both smoking and taking the 'pill' increase the risk of heart disease.
Fact - A woman in her 30's who smokes and takes the 'pill' is 10 times more likely to have a stroke or fatal heart attack than a non smoker.
Fact - Smoking can definitely kill your sex life.
Cervical & Vulva Cancer
Fact - Cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb) is relatively common but women who smoke have a higher risk.
Fact - 30% of deaths from cervical cancer are smoking related.
Fact - Cervical cancer is linked to a virus that is sexually transmitted. Smoking increases a woman's susceptibility to this virus.
Fact - Vulva cancer is rare but women who smoke are twice as likely to suffer from it.
Menstrual Problems and Early Menopause
Fact - Smokers miss their periods more often and have more menstrual cramps.
Fact - Older women smokers are more likely to have irregular bleeding.
Fact - Smokers have lower oestrogen levels and reach menopause about 2 years earlier.
Fact - Smokers are more likely to have hot flushes.
Female Fertility
Fact - Women who smoke are 60% more likely to be infertile than non-smokers.
Fact - Tobacco smoke can damage the tubes that carry the eggs to the womb.
Fact - Stopping smoking can improve your chances of conceiving.
Fertility Treatment
Fact - Women who smoke have a lower success rate than non-smokers.
Pregnancy
For more information, view our pregnancy pages.
Reproductive Medicine Specialist
To find out more about the effects smoking has on women click here.
Now why not take a look at the other Health Issues pages:
Around the body
See the different effects it has on each part of your body
Benefits of Giving up
See what happens over time
Sex & Smoking
Find out how your sex life can be affected by smoking
What's in a cigarette?
Find out what's really inside a cigarette
Diabetes, Asthma & Smoking
Smoking can increase your risk of getting diabetes as well as cause serious complications if you have it.