Have you ever wondered about the effects of vaping on your sexual health? It’s a hot topic these days, especially as more and more people are trading in their cigarettes for sleek, battery-powered vapes. But while vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, it's not without its controversies.
One issue that's sparked many debates lately is the potential link between vaping and erectile dysfunction. Yes, those clouds of fruity vapor might be having some unintended consequences below the belt. Let’s dive into what the latest research is saying, and what it might mean for vapers out there. Buckle up, because things are about to get interesting!
Understanding vaping
Vaping is the act of using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or other vaping devices to inhale vaporised liquid.1 Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco to create smoke, e-cigarettes heat a liquid—often called e-juice or vape juice—that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals, turning them into a vapour that you inhale.1
E-cigarettes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.1 Some look like the classic cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, while others are techier, resembling USB flash drives or pens. No matter the look, they all have the same basic parts: a battery, a heating element, and a tank or cartridge that holds the e-juice.
Vaping has taken Britain by storm. Over 15% of people aged 16 to 24 admitted to e-cigarette use, and currently 4.5 million adults use an e-cigarette occasionally or daily.2
Most of these vapers are either ex-smokers or smokers trying to quit, seeing vaping as a stepping stone to a smoke-free life.1 Some people vape just because they enjoy it, while others believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, so they make the switch to be a bit kinder to their lungs.
Regardless, with vaping becoming such a big deal, it’s important to look at both the upsides and potential downsides, especially in areas you might not expect, like erectile dysfunction. Let's dive into what the research says and what vapers should know.
Erectile dysfunction: An overview
Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse3 – and it’s more common than you think. 1 in 3 men in the UK have dealt with it at some point in their lives.*
There are various factors that can cause erection difficulties, both physical and psychological. And sometimes, it’s a bit of a tag team effort between both physical and psychological issues.4 Picture this: a minor physical problem slows down your sexual response, which makes you start worrying about keeping an erection. That anxiety then adds fuel to the fire, making the ED even worse.4 It’s a vicious cycle, but understanding it is the first step to breaking free. So, if you find yourself dealing with it, you're not alone.
Remember, having erection difficulties occasionally isn’t necessarily the end of the world.4 But if you find yourself dealing with ED as an ongoing issue, it’s worth talking to your doctor about it.4
*Estimated from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) 2021 UK population data and Irrational quantitative survey 2021, where 3,445 (i.e. 34%) of 10,197 adult men qualified or identified as suffering from Erectile Dysfunction.
The link between vaping and erectile dysfunction
Recent studies have been digging into whether vaping has anything to do with ED, and the findings are a tell-all.
A big study published in 2022 found that men who vape daily are more likely to report ED compared to those who don't vape.5 That’s a pretty eye-opening stat, right? The researchers looked at a significant amount of data and still found this association, even after accounting for other factors like age and overall health.5
Other studies and expert opinions
And it’s not just this one study. Other research, like some published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, also points to vaping being bad news for your sexual health and sex life.6 Experts are starting to agree that vaping not only affects sexual health, but that e-cigs may directly cause erection difficulties.6
Research is showing more and more connections between vaping and issues in men's sexual health, like erectile dysfunction, lower sex drive, and slower arousal. According to one study, those who vape every day are over twice as likely to deal with ED compared to those who don't vape at all.7
Plus, how much nicotine you use, regardless of whether you get your fix from vaping or smoking cigarettes, and how often plays a big role in your overall health, especially your sexual health. Dr. Nannan Thirumavalavan, a specialist in male health, points to a study with 13,000 men that found 4.8% of e-cigarette users reported ED—more than double the rate of non-users.* Even if you used to smoke regular cigarettes and switched to vaping, the risk of ED stays high, no matter your age or other health issues like heart disease.7
*Healthcare professionals featured in this article do not endorse any medicinal brands or products
Why vaping might cause Erectile Dysfunction
We already know that smoking traditional cigarettes can increase your risk of ED,9 and the verdict for e-cigs is similar for erectile function.6 It messes with your blood vessels and blood flow. Vaping, often seen as a safer alternative, might not be much better in this department. Both can hurt your cardiovascular health and lead to ED.
So, why might vaping lead to ED? Here are a few possible reasons:
- Nicotine: This chemical constricts your blood vessels, which is bad for blood flow to the penis.7
- Cardiovascular health: Vaping nicotine can negatively impact your heart and blood vessels (which make up the cardiovascular system) and reduces the blood flow to all organs, including the penis.7
- Damage to cells and inflammation: The chemicals in vape juice can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging cells and blood vessels and reducing blood flow.7
If you’re vaping and noticing issues in the bedroom, it might be time to rethink things. The science is still evolving, but early signs suggest that vaping could be harming your erectile health. Consider chatting with a healthcare professional to get more insights and advice tailored to you.
The effect of nicotine on sexual function
Let's talk about how nicotine can mess with your sex life. Getting and keeping an erection is all about having a strong, steady flow of blood to the penis.7 When you're sexually aroused, certain chemicals in your blood vessels help the muscles in the penis relax and let in more blood. These same chemicals also trap the blood there, giving you an erection.7
But here's the catch: nicotine makes your blood vessels constrict, which cuts down on blood flow everywhere, including to the penis.7 So, if you smoke or vape, you're more likely to run into erectile problems. On top of that, struggling with erection difficulties could be taking a toll on your emotions, leading to feelings of shame, depression, anxiety, and inadequacy. This emotional stress can make your sexual health issues even worse.7
How to quit vaping
So, you're thinking about kicking the vaping habit? Here's how you can start:
- Set a clear goal: Start by defining why you want to quit. Whether it's for your health, your wallet, or your loved ones, having a clear reason will keep you motivated.8
- Gradual reduction: Cold turkey isn't for everyone. Consider tapering off gradually. Reduce the number of vaping sessions or switch to lower nicotine levels over time.8
- Find alternatives: Replace vaping with healthier habits. Chew gum, keep your hands busy with a stress ball, or go for a run to distract yourself when cravings hit.
- Seek support: Tell your friends and family about your decision. Their encouragement can be a powerful motivator. You might also consider joining a support group or talking to a counselor.8
- Stay busy: Boredom can trigger cravings. Stay active and fill your time with activities you enjoy or tasks that keep your mind occupied from cravings.8
- Avoid triggers: Identify situations or places that make you want to vape and try to avoid them, at least initially.8 This might mean skipping your usual hangout spots or taking a different route home.
- Celebrate milestones: Quitting isn't easy, so celebrate every small victory. Treat yourself to something special when you reach milestones like a week without vaping or a month smoke-free.
Remember, quitting takes time and effort, but with determination and support, you can succeed.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
Now that you understand the ins and outs of erection difficulties and how vaping can contribute to it, let’s discuss how to tackle it head-on.
Oral medications
You could consider medications like Cialis Together that help amp up blood flow to where it counts, helping you achieve and maintain an erection. Cialis Together works in as little as 30 minutes after taking and it helps you get an erection only when you’re sexually stimulated, for up to 36 hours.
Lifestyle tweaks
Time to ditch the smokes, get your body moving with regular exercise, and kick stress to the curb.9 These changes not only boost your overall health but also work wonders for your love life.
Therapy
Sometimes, erectile dysfunction isn’t just physical, it can be tied to emotional, mental, or relationship issues.9 Talking it out with a therapist or a couples’ counsellor could uncover and address those underlying causes, putting you back on track.
Importance of seeking medical advice
Got concerns about erection difficulties? Don’t play doctor, talk to a pro. Consulting a healthcare professional is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan that fits your needs like a glove.9 And don’t forget those regular check-ups, they’re your ticket to keeping your sexual health in top shape.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, understanding how vaping can mess with your mojo is crucial. If you’re noticing any signs of erection difficulties, don’t wait—get expert advice pronto. Your sex life deserves the best care possible, so stay informed and take action to reclaim your confidence in the bedroom.
Cialis® Together 10mg tablets. For Erectile Dysfunction in adult men. Before taking Cialis Together tablets, discuss with your pharmacist to ensure the product is suitable for you. Contains tadalafil. Always read the label.
References
1 NHS. ‘Using e-cigarettes to stop smoking’.2022. Available from:https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
In recent years, e-cigarettes have become a very popular stop smoking aid in the UK.
What are e-cigarettes and how do they work?
An e-cigarette is a device that allows you to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than smoke.
E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke.
They work by heating a liquid (called an e-liquid) that typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings.
Using an e-cigarette is known as vaping.
There are different types of e-cigarette, including vape pens, vape bars, pod devices, mods, and cigalikes. They can be rechargeable or disposable.
Many thousands of people in the UK have already stopped smoking with the help of an e-cigarette. There's evidence that they can be effective.
2 Office for National Statistics. ‘Adult smoking habits in the UK:2022’.2023.Available from: https://backup.ons.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/Adult-smoking-habits-in-the-UK-2022.pdf
In Great Britain, 8.7% of Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) respondents, or around 4.5 million adults, said they currently used an e-cigarette daily or occasionally; this is an increase from 2021 where 7.7% of people reported daily or occasional e-cigarette use.
E-cigarette use was highest among those aged 16 to 24 years in Great Britain; the percentage of people in this age group who were daily or occasional vapers in 2022 has increased to 15.5% compared with 11.1% in 2021.
3 WebMD. ‘Best Kegel Exercises for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Premature Ejaculation’. 2022. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/men/best-exercises-erectile-dysfunction-premature-ejaculation
“Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection to satisfactorily engage in sexual intercourse
4 Mayo Clinic. ‘Erectile Dysfunction’. 2022. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776#:~:text=Physical%20issues%20like%20heart%20 disease,also%20interfere%20with%20sexual%20feelings .
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining ancha erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.
If you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor — even if you're embarrassed.
5 El-Shahawy, Omar, et al. "Association of e-cigarettes with erectile dysfunction: the population assessment of tobacco and health study." American journal of preventive medicine 62.1 (2022): 26-38.
The proportion of erectile dysfunction varied from 20.7% (full sample) to 10.2% (restricted sample). The prevalence of current ENDS use within the full and restricted samples was 4.8% and 5.6%, respectively, with 2.1% and 2.5%, respectively, reporting daily use. Current daily ENDS users were more likely to report erectile dysfunction than never users in both the full (AOR=2.24, 95% CI=1.50, 3.34) and restricted (AOR=2.41, 95% CI=1.55, 3.74) samples. In the full sample, cardiovascular disease history (versus not present) and age ≥65 years (versus age 20-24 years) were associated with erectile dysfunction (AOR=1.39, 95% CI=1.10, 1.77; AOR= 17.4, 95% CI=12.15, 24.91), whereas physical activity was associated with lower odds of erectile dysfunction in both samples (AOR range=0.44-0.58).
Conclusion: The use of ENDS seems to be associated with erectile dysfunction independent of age, cardiovascular disease, and other risk factors. While ENDS remain under evaluation for harm reduction and smoking-cessation potential, ENDS users should be informed about the possible association between ENDS use and erectile dysfunction.
6 Bandara NA, Lalkiya D, Alhamam A, Afshar K. Discussing the Sexual Health Impacts of Electronic Cigarette Use with Youth: A Proposed Framework to Support Urologists. Future. 2023; 1(2):38-45. https://doi.org/10.3390/future1020006
Urologists should go over the importance of sexual health during the youth age period and its role in setting the stage for sexual health over the life course, and then dive into data from the literature. For example, urologists can define stuttering priapism and highlight that it was found to be associated with e-cig use [4]. Following this, it is worthwhile discussing that e-cig use is associated with lower sperm count [6], lower sperm concentration [7], lower sperm movement [7], and erectile dysfunction [8]. It is necessary to acknowledge that the long-term impacts of e-cig use on sexual health are still unknown, therefore, it is possible that e-cig use can impact sexual development in the present and fertility over the life course.
Recent research highlights that e-cig use may have a negative impact on sexual health e-cig use may cause erectile dysfunction
7 University Hospitals. ‘Can Vaping Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Men?. 2022. Available from: https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2022/03/can-vaping-cause-erectile-dysfunction-in-men
The release of adrenaline prompts several physiological changes in the body’s cardiovascular system, including increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. In addition, the nicotine itself has a vaso-constrictive effect, meaning it shrinks and tightens blood vessels – reducing the amount of blood that can flow through them. This reduces the body’s ability to effectively transport oxygen and can lead to lower energy levels and shortness of breath.
Sexual Side Effects of Nicotine in Men
Getting and maintaining an erection is dependent on a strong, steady flow of blood into the spongy tissue and smooth muscles of the penis. During sexual arousal, certain chemicals in the lining of the blood vessels in the penis allow the penile muscles to relax and accept the additional blood flow. These same chemicals then create a seal to “trap” the blood in the penis, creating an erection.
As mentioned previously, nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow to all the organs, including the penis. Therefore, men who smoke or vape, are at higher risk for experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). Sexual health may then be further diminished by the man’s emotional response to incidents of ED, which may include shame, depression, anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
“In one study of over 13,000 men, about 4.8 percent reported e-cigarette use and were more than twice as likely to report erectile dysfunction,” says Nannan Thirumavalavan, MD, a fellowship-trained urologist who specializes in male infertility, microsurgery, sexual dysfunction and men’s health. “The risk of ED is even higher for men who formerly smoked regular cigarettes before switching to vaping. This relationship holds true regardless of age and other risk factors, including cardiovascular disease,” he adds.
8 Healthline. ‘Ready to Ditch Vaping> 9 Tips for Success’. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-quit-vaping
First, identify why you want to quit
“Knowing our why can help us change any pattern or habit,” says Kim Egel, a therapist in Cardiff, California.
“Being clear on why we’re changing behavior helps validate the decision to break that habit and gives us the motivation to discover a new habit or way of coping,” explains Egel.
Decide whether you want to go ‘cold turkey’ or quit gradually
ResearchTrusted Source suggests the “cold turkey” method, or quitting vaping all at once, may be the most effective way to quit for some people.
Consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
NRT — nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, sprays, and inhalers — may be helpful, especially if you’re abstaining from tobacco.
Identify your main triggers
Triggers can be physical, social, or emotional. They also vary from person to person. Understanding your triggers can help you develop a strategy to avoid or deal with these scenarios.
If your friends vape, for example, you might have a harder time quitting if you spend a lot of time with them, but don’t consider how you’ll address the temptation to vape with them.
Recognizing emotions that trigger vaping urges can help you take more productive steps to manage those emotions, like talking with loved ones or journaling about them.
Have a strategy for withdrawal and cravings
Once you quit vaping, the first couple of weeks might be a little rough. You might experience a combination of withdrawal symptoms,
Let those close to you know about your plan
Feeling a little nervous about telling loved ones you plan to quit vaping is natural. This is especially true if you don’t want them to think you’re judging them for continuing to vape. You might wonder whether you should even tell them at all.
It’s important to have this conversation, though, even if it seems like it might be difficult.
9 Healthline. ‘Is there a link between vaping and erectile dysfunction?’. 2024. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/vaping-erectile-dysfunction
Smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED)
What else can you do to help treat erectile dysfunction?
A healthcare professional can then prescribe a suitable form of treatment by figuring out what causes or contributes to ED.
Sometimes, they can suggest lifestyle changes such as trying to stop smoking or vaping, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a more balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
Counseling is also an option if the ED links to stress or mental health conditions like anxiety.
Medication may be necessary. Several pills can help improve ED symptoms by encouraging blood flow to the penis. These include:
As these medications can interact with other drugs and supplements, it’s important to let your healthcare professional know about anything else you take. They may need to change the dose or type of medication.
An injectable medication is now available, too. Called alprostadil, it’s injectable straight into the penis so that it fills with blood, resulting in an extremely quick erection.
This type of medication also comes in the form of a suppository, which is insertable into the urethra, where it dissolves. An erection then takes up to 10 minutes to occur.
Surgery involving a doctor inserting an implant or rebuilding arteries are also options that may help people with ED. However, doctors usually consider these after you try other treatments.
MAT-XU-2404159 (v1.0) March 2025