Does Vaping Cause ED?

Vaping is turning into a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes. While some claim it’s a healthier option, many argue that it still delivers nicotine to the body and has side effects on the user’s health. One of these side effects is on the reproductive organs. This effect has prompted many men to ask, does vaping cause erectile dysfunction?

Dealing with erectile dysfunction can be a life-changing challenge. A growing body of research seems to associate ED with those using a vape pen. Here, we will take a closer look at the studies that confirm this side effect of vaping and tell you how you can avoid it.

What is Vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling a nicotine-rich vapor through an electronic device called a vape pen. This device heats up a liquid form of nicotine available in various flavors.

Those trying to quit regular cigarettes turn to vape, claiming it’s a safer option since you avoid the toxic chemicals in cigarettes. While this is true to some degree, nicotine still has numerous side effects.

The Body’s Response to Nicotine

Before answering the question, does vaping cause ED, we must examine the body’s response to nicotine.

Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical in tobacco that stimulates your central nervous system, increasing adrenaline throughout your body and working on your brain's reward center. The higher adrenaline levels affect cardiovascular health, prompting stress responses like increased heart rate and blood pressure. Ironically, as nicotine puts your body under stress, it calms your mind.

Nicotine also has a vaso-constrictive effect. It tightens your blood vessels and limits oxygen delivery to different organs, causing shortness of breath and lower energy levels. Over time, nicotine can accelerate skin aging, weaken your immune system, and diminish your brain activity.

Does Vaping Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

In short, yes. More and more studies are showing a connection between vape use and ED. Like smoking cigarettes, vaping doesn’t allow you to maintain a healthy sex drive. An erection is achieved when more blood flows to the penile tissues, and vaping disrupts that process. Unlike cigarettes that date back thousands of years, vape pens have not been around too long. So there aren’t many studies examining their effects on the human body. However, current research all points to the adverse effects of vaping on men’s sexual performance.

Research on Vaping and ED

In a 2021 study showing that vaping does cause ED, scientists found that male e-cigarette users over 20 had a significantly higher rate of ED. They also found that vape users and non-users who exercised regularly experienced less erectile dysfunction.

Another study reviewed the existing evidence on the association between ED and vape use. This study highlighted the link between vaping and increased endothelial damage, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Another review article evaluating the impact of alternative tobacco products on urological health supported this finding. Studies also link vaping to other sexual health issues in men.

Although the available published studies are not many, they all suggest that vaping and ED are connected.

How Does Vaping Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

To achieve and maintain an erection, the spongy tissue and muscles of the penis must receive an increased and steady blood flow. Chemicals in the lining of the blood vessels in the penis will relax the muscles to accept this blood flow. These chemicals will then trap the blood and help you maintain an erection.

The existing nicotine in vape juice will constrict the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis. The blood vessels cannot relax anymore to allow the necessary blood to enter the tissue and achieve an erection.

Studies confirming that vaping does, in fact, cause ED found that the nicotine in vape juice also lowers the number of signaling molecules required for relaxing the vessels and causing an erection. Nicotine can also affect the receptors in these vessels and cause spasms that reduce the blood flow to the area.

Other Sexual Side Effects of Vaping

The nicotine in a cigarette and vape juice doesn’t just affect ED. It also disrupts various aspects of a man’s sexual health. Here are some of the risks associated with vaping and nicotine.

Lower Testosterone Levels

Excessive vaping can decrease testosterone levels in men due to its high nicotine content. A lower testosterone level is also one of the possible reasons for a numb penis.

Delayed Arousal

How does vaping cause erectile dysfunction? It does so by affecting your central nervous system. As it turns out, nicotine also slows down the nervous system. This slowing means a delayed response to sexual arousal and unsatisfactory performance.

Low Libido

Low libido results from hormonal fluctuations. These changes occur with decreased testosterone production due to high nicotine inhalation.

Psychological Issues

The sexual issues that come with vaping also affect mental health. The psychological effects of erectile dysfunction can lead to depression, anxiety, and shame.

Treat Vaping-Induced ED

Erectile dysfunction does not have to mean the end of your sex life. You can fight vape-induced ED with a few simple solutions.

Quit Vaping

How does one treat erectile dysfunction caused by vaping? Simple. You quit vaping! Saying goodbye to nicotine will improve your ED and overall health. You can make a plan to give up vaping. Start by identifying why you want to quit, set a date, know your triggers, and stick to it.

You can consult your primary healthcare provider if quitting seems hard and impossible. A physician can prescribe you medication to make the process easier.

Vape a Nicotine-free Liquid

You can switch to a nicotine-free vape juice if you don’t want to quit vaping yet. Even one with a lower nicotine concentration will work. Lower nicotine means less harm to your cardiovascular and sexual health. Make the switch today and gradually work your way to quitting.

Reclaim Intimacy With RX Sleeve

So does vaping cause ED? Yes. The nicotine in e-cigarettes can be as harmful as regular cigarettes and impact your sexual health. The good news is that you can fight vape-induced ED by quitting.

We are here to help you on this journey as you put away your vape pen. The realistic-looking penis sleeves at RX Sleeve provide a comfortable touch to help you enjoy intimacy with your partner again.

Shop the unique shape and size you need to receive your order with discreet shipping. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Don’t forget to visit our blog to learn more about your sexual health now that you know that vaping does indeed cause erectile dysfunction.