documented for many years. It has been known that

smoking is responsible for a number of ailments like

bronchitis, high blood pressure, pneumonia, lung

cancer, emphysema, and may actually shorten one's

lifespan for up to 10 years. Smokers also increase

the risk of osteoporosis, a health condition that

weakens the bones, making them prone to breakage and

other injuries. Recent studies show that smoking is

probably one of the reasons why many couples are

faced with fertility problems.

A number of studies show that smoking is also a

factor that affects sexual health. Excessive

cigarette use has been linked to difficulties in

getting and maintaining an erection. Many toxins

present in cigarettes, especially carbon monoxide,

can damage the circulatory system. The toxins from

cigarettes hinder the flow of blood to and in the

penis. Blood circulation is necessary for attaining

and maintaining an erection. Male smokers in their

30s or 40s may increase the risk of having erectile

dysfunction (ED) by almost 50 percent. Smoking

damages the blood vessels and, specifically, the

nicotine content of cigarettes narrows the arteries

that carries blood to the penis. Reduced blood flow

and pressure in in the penis may lead to erection

difficulties.

In addition, high blood pressure, an ailment that can

be developed through smoking, may lead to low

testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is a primary

male hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual

arousal. Low testosterone levels lead to decreased

arousal and sexual performance. Toxins found in

cigarettes may harm the testes. Smoking may affect

the semen and the sperm, reducing their mobility and

quality. Men who smoke tend to have lower sperm

counts and malformed sperms than their non-smoking

counterparts.

Female infertility may also be damaged because of

smoking. Medical studies suggest that many substance

found in cigarettes may harm the ovaries. Studies

show that women who smoke or have smoked in the past

may encounter difficulties getting pregnant. The

chances of conceiving may be decreased by up to 40

percent each menstrual cycle. The longer a woman

smokes, the more difficult it would be for her to get

pregnant. The effects of smoking on sexual health

have been taken for granted all these because the

effects have been focused on the cardiovascular and

circulatory system.

Other health problems that can be encountered through

smoking may include the following:

?bad breath

?stained teeth and gums

?smelly clothes

?difficulty keeping up with friends with

sports activities

?high blood pressure increased risk of

developing cataracts

?acid taste in the mouth

?ulcer

?paler skin and more wrinkles

Understanding the adverse effects of smoking on

overall health may become a motivation for many to

quit smoking. However, quitting smoking may be easier

said than done. But because of modern technology,

there are now various products and medications that

are out in the market that are designed to help

individuals quit smoking. These products may help a

smoker cut the habit by making them more comfortable

and complacent to adjust to life without cigarettes.

Many quit smoking products are available over the

counter, it is best to seek the approval of health

professionals to clarify side effects and drug

interactions that may be developed while under

medication. With the right tools and attitude,

quitting smoking can be easier than others think.