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.

ED doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age, but it tends to be more common as men get older. But there’s no need to suffer in silence — there is help out there if you are willing to reach out.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 to36 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.

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.

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.