We all know the frustration of erectile dysfunction hitting at the worst possible moment—when passion peaks, and suddenly, things come to a halt. While an occasional episode might elicit a nervous laugh from your partner, no one wants it to happen at all. It's more common than you think: an Ifop study reveals that 61% of men (six out of ten) have experienced it at least once. According to Dr. Catherine Solano, renowned sexologist and andrologist, tobacco and cannabis consumption significantly contribute to these issues.
Smokers typically have half as much sex as non-smokers, and even then, it's often less satisfying. Why? Cigarette smoke releases carbon monoxide, which causes narrowing of the penile arteries. For at least five hours afterward, a man's erection can be 20% less powerful, per expert estimates. Over the long term, tobacco's tar makes these arteries stiffer and narrower, worsening vascular health essential for strong erections.
Whether occasional or regular, cannabis use carries risks too. Some report a brief stimulating effect in the first 30 minutes, but it quickly reverses, negatively affecting desire, arousal, and erection quality. It induces fatigue and drowsiness, further impairing performance. Women aren't spared either: both tobacco and cannabis reduce natural lubrication, and in both sexes, cannabis can delay orgasm onset. Good news for vapers: without combustion, e-cigarettes—even with nicotine—avoid carbon monoxide and tar.
