Quitting could be key to better sex life
14 Feb 2011
Male smokers looking forward to showing their loved ones a good time in the bedroom are at risk of under-performing this Valentine's Day.
That's because research has shown smokers are at greater risk of erectile dysfunction than their non-smoking counterparts.
Smokers who smoke:
- 20 cigarettes or less a day are 24% more likely to report having experienced erectile problems than non-smokers.
- more than 20 cigarettes a day are 40% more likely to report having had erectile difficulties than non-smokers.
Quit Executive Director Fiona Sharkie said the little-known side effect of smoking might give male smokers extra motivation to quit.
"We know that men who smoke are more likely to have problems getting or maintaining an erection. This can cause awkwardness at anytime - but especially on a special occasion like Valentine's Day."
"Erectile dysfunction is just one of the bad effects smoking can have on your body. Smoking greatly increases your chance of potentially deadly illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and many different types of cancer."
Not only will quitting smoking give you the best chance of experiencing a life with your partner free of smoking-caused illness... it'll give you the best chance of recovering or preventing problems in the bedroom as well!