Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, is the constant inability of a man to maintain an erection for sexual purposes. It is twice as likely to occur in smokers than non-smokers. Exposure to second-hand smoke is also a significant factor in becoming impotent.

Sexual functioning requires the coordination of several functions in the body. This includes the nervous system (mental stimulation) working in coordination with hormones, and the vascular system which pumps blood into the muscle tissue that maintains the erection. Smoking can affect all these systems, thereby, causing impotence.

Men who smoke are more likely to develop impotence than non-smokers, due to reduced blood flow to the penis caused by atherosclerosis.
Even without atherosclerosis, smoking can lead to the temporary constriction of blood vessels (vasoconstriction), which also reduces blood flow to the penis.

An international study, which grouped impotent smokers according to how many cigarettes they smoked each day, found:

• heavy smokers (40+ cigarettes/day) had the “softest” night-time erections;
• smoking was related to an abnormal decline of blood pressure in the penis.

It is possible to fully or partially recover erectile function by quitting smoking. The likelihood of recovery depends on the degree of damage that has been inflicted, and which ‘system’ has been affected. The greater the length of time spent smoking, the greater the damage to the biological systems that cause impotence.

Atherosclerosis occurs when there is narrowing and clogging of the arteries which reduces blood supply, and the amount of oxygen available, throughout the body.

Men who have reported losing their erections before orgasm have completely reversed this situation by quitting smoking.

There are many causes for Impotence ( or Erectile Dysfunction ). This is a simple preview of them.

An Overview

• Nerve impulses in the brain, spinal column, and area around the penis
• Responses in muscles, fibrous tissues, veins, and arteries in and near the corpora cavernosa of the penis

Specific Impotence Causes

They can include:

• Other medical conditions
• Lifestyle choices
• Surgery
• Injury
• Certain medicines
• Psychological factors

Other Medical Conditions

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Chronic alcoholism
• Multiple sclerosis
• Atherosclerosis
• Vascular disease
• Neurological diseases

Lifestyle

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Avoiding exercise

Medicine

ED can be a side effect of other common drugs, such as:

• Blood pressure drugs
• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Tranquilizers
• Appetite suppressants
• Cimetidine (an ulcer drug)

Psychological Factors

10 percent to 20 percent of male impotence problems are due to this factors, such as:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Guilt
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Fear of sexual failure.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) may cause emotional and mental stress for both the man and his partner. The following points are of vital importance in helping you cope with the problem :

• Speak with your partner more frequently and frankly about your problem. This will help you build your relationship and treatment works better when the couple is in it together. Good communication must be maintained during the whole treatment process.
• Try to seek counseling. Keep in mind that it could be difficult to solve ED on you own.
• Do not assume that you have a constant problem if you experience ED from time to time. In case you expect the problem to happen again during your next sexual intercourse, chances are your psychological state might prevail.
• Do not reckon just one incident of ED as ultimate seal of your masculinity and virility.
• Do not consider just one incident of ED as the ultimate seal on your masculinity.
• Do not forget to assure your partner that your inability to have an erection is not a sign of vanished sexual desire