The Enemy of Men's Health: Why Should You Quit Smoking?

It is impossible to fit all the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco products on health into this article. It is known that the risk of life-threatening health problems such as cancer, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), and heart diseases is extremely high in smokers.

Nevertheless, millions of people who cannot get rid of nicotine addiction continue to harm their bodies. Although we have left "February 9th World Smoking Cessation Day" behind, it is important to emphasize the significance of the day. Because our health is too valuable to be put at risk. In this article, I will discuss the harms of smoking specifically on male reproductive and sexual health. I hope it will be useful...

Smoking Increases the Risk of Infertility

It is known that smoking increases the risk of infertility in men. Although it has become a cliché, we are not facing a myth this time; yes, smoking can turn into the underlying cause of infertility in men. Scientific studies show that smoking affects sperm functions in two main points.

1. One of these points is disrupting the movement of the flagellum (tail), which has an important role in sperm motility. The disruption of flagellar movements makes it difficult for the sperm to meet the egg.

2. Additionally, it is known that the release of the acrosin enzyme, which is necessary for the sperm to fertilize the egg, is lower in smokers.

The effect of smoking on infertility in men is not limited to these factors. Scientific studies demonstrate that smoking negatively affects sperm production (spermatogenesis) and reduces sperm count and motility.

Tobacco and tobacco products also have different effects on reproductive health. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 components, including nicotine, tar, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It is important to remember that these harmful components lead to DNA damage and oxidative stress. The rates of encountering sperm DNA damage behind infertility and recurrent miscarriages are too high to be ignored.

Smoking Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

The inability of the penis to become sufficiently rigid to engage in sexual intercourse and/or to maintain its rigidity until sexual intercourse ends is called erectile dysfunction (impotence). Erectile dysfunction can stem from psychological, physiological, or both psychological and physiological causes.

Vascular problems lie behind the vast majority of physiological causes of erectile dysfunction. Functional problems in the arteries feeding the penis or in the veins that ensure the retention of blood in the penis can cause erectile dysfunction. It is impossible to ignore the link between vascular diseases and smoking.

Quitting Smoking and Improving General Health is Possible

Men who smoke are in the risk group for infertility and sexual dysfunctions. However, this habit has other repercussions as well. Smoking increases the risk of cancer, reduces exercise capacity, and threatens lung health. Abandoning these habits can enable individuals who have smoked for many years to step into a brand new life.

Even 20 minutes without a cigarette is important:

• In the first 20 minutes without smoking, blood pressure and heart rate drop.

• In the first 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood decreases.

• When not smoking for 2-12 weeks, blood circulation and lung functions improve.

• When not smoking for 1-9 months, complaints of shortness of breath and coughing decrease.

Despite all these benefits, transitioning to a smoke-free life means possessing a quality and healthy life.