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Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Drugs, Science
Lucy Devine
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships, Drugs, Science
Experts have revealed the impact that smoking can have on a person's sex life and what happens when you stop for good.
Over the years, there's been a number of different studies into smoking and how it can impact us physically.
NiQuitin UK explains that smoking cigarettes can have a pretty big impact on our sex lives.
For example, it can decrease libido in both men and women, with NiQuitin explaining: "While some people smoke to relieve stress, research has shown that the habit actually increases feelings of anxiety and tension. This increase can have an impact on your sex life, with stress contributing to a reduced sex drive.
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"Smoking has also been shown to affect both testosterone and oestrogen levels in men and women, two hormones that play a large part in sexual desire."
Meanwhile, the nicotine found in cigarettes can decrease blood flow around the body, leading to poorer circulation.
Quitting smoking can in fact lead to improved erections in men and more intense orgasms for women.
In a study from 2022, researchers looked at the data of 6,754 men, aged between 50-75 years and divided into lifelong non-smokers, former smokers, and current smokers.
They looked at different sexual activity as well as low libido and erectile dysfunction.
They then analysed answers against current smokers, non-smokers and former smokers.
"A total of 3,069 (45.4 percent) men were non-smokers, 2,673 (39.6 percent) former smokers, and 1,012 (15 percent) current smokers," the study explained.
Current smokers were found to be significantly younger and leaner than former and non-smokers, but had higher prevalence of low libido and erectile dysfunction.
"In multivariable analysis, former smokers had statistically significantly less prevalence of low libido compared to current smokers," the study continued.
In conclusion, the study revealed that smoking was associated with poorer sexual health.
"Cigarette smoking was associated with worse sexual health compared to non-smokers, while former smokers had better erectile function and libido than current smokers," it explained.
There is some good news, however, with researchers revealing that quitting smoking could improve male sexual health.
Meanwhile, the NHS added that it can be hugely beneficial in both men and women.
They explained: "Stopping smoking improves the body’s blood flow, so improves sensitivity.
"Men who stop smoking may get better erections. Women may find their orgasms improve and they become aroused more easily.
"It’s also been found that non-smokers are three times more appealing to prospective partners than smokers."