Erectile Dysfunction and Smoking

About our Expert

Edward M. Mullin, M.D., is a urologist with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

• I heard smoking can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Is this true?
• What else causes erectile dysfunction?
• How do I know if I have erectile dysfunction?
• How common is erectile dysfunction?
• Is the damage caused by smoking reversible?
• When should I talk to my doctor about ED?

Q: I heard smoking can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Is this true?

A: Yes, smoking can cause ED, a condition in which a man has a consistent problem getting or keeping an erection sufficient enough for him to complete sexual intercourse. To get and maintain an erection, blood vessels must expand, or dilate, to allow additional blood flow to the penis. Smoking causes the opposite to occur. Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood flow to the penis. Smoking also causes plaque to build up in blood vessels which may lead to a “consistent” problem. So, the younger you start and the more you smoke, the greater your risk of ED.

Q: What else causes erectile dysfunction?

A: Anything that affects the flow of blood to the penis during sexual intercourse causes ED. This includes health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes (which smokers may have or are at risk for developing), or behaviors like excessive drinking and being overweight.

Q: How do I know if I have erectile dysfunction?

A: Because many biological and psychological factors affect a man’s ability to get and maintain an erection, the key word in diagnosing ED is “consistent.” If a man experiences a problem on occasion, he probably does not have ED.

Q: How common is erectile dysfunction?

A: ED is very common. An estimated 40 percent of males will experience some degree of ED in their lifetime. The first signs of ED are usually noticed in a man’s 50s.

Q: Is the damage caused by smoking reversible?

A: Yes. When you stop smoking, blood flow improves throughout your body. Although blood circulation may not be as efficient as if you never smoked, quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your overall health.

Q: When should I talk to my doctor about ED?

A: If you’re having consistent difficulty, if you’re frustrated or concerned, or if it’s affecting the relationship with your partner, you should talk to your family physician about ED. Because ED may be an early warning sign of coronary artery disease, your doctor may prescribe an EKG or stress test to determine your overall cardiovascular health. If necessary, your family doctor can prescribe an ED medication or refer you to a urologist for other treatment options.