Countless medical experts around the world are attesting to the harmful effects of smoking. Medical studies show that smoking is responsible for one of every five deaths. The statistics include 29 percent of all cancer deaths, 87 percent of all lung cancer deaths, and about 20 percent of deaths from cardiovascular disease. In addition to these deaths, smoking may accelerate skin aging and lead to the development of drying and wrinkling of the skin. These smoking effects are pretty known effects of smoking. But there are less known effects of smoking. For example little is known about the effects of smoking in terms of impotence.

Clinical studies show that nicotine may block the veins that supplies blood to the arteries of the male reproductive organs. Once this veins and arteries are clogged, men experience erectile dysfunction and the ability to produce reproductive genes and therefore cause impotence. When healthy, arteries usually expand to promote increased blood flow. However, arteries damaged by cigarette smoking cannot expand as much which causes inadequate erection.

In addition to these findings, it was also noted that smoking among older men, increases the chances of impotency than with those smoking younger men. This is due to the fact that older men are more susceptible to other life conditions which contribute to impotence. These life conditions include work stress, physical fatigue, and lack of physical exercise. Other damages coming over the time, such as arteries clogging, can aggravate the condition by altering the trapping process of blood within the penis. The result will be the temporary or permanent impotence. Individuals who are young and quit smoking may reverse impotence but may not immediately develop. It may take weeks, months, or even years before healthy erections can be achieved.

The good news is that no matter what the age or how long one have smoked, individuals who quit smoking may live longer if the habit is stopped. Studies show that those who quit smoking had substantially lower death rates six years later than those who didn't. Even the oldest ex-smokers had higher survival rates.

Smoking is a very difficult habit to overcome, and for those who cannot quit by means of their own will power, it is recommended that they seek medical help to help stop smoking and overcome their addiction. Doctors may prescribe Zyban, a quit-smoking medication that is prescribed by doctors to decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the urge to smoke. Unlike patches, Zyban does not contain nicotine and does not work the same way nicotine patches and other nicotine replacement products. It reduces smoking urges by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

Individuals are successful in quitting smoking will not only live longer, feel better, breathe easier, and gain more energy. They may also have fewer respiratory infections, headaches, and even stomachaches. What's more, they'll be able to save money, and their clothes and breath won't reek any longer. Lastly, their habit will not aggravate or threaten the health of the people who live and work with them. Smoking is a very difficult habit to overcome, and for those who cannot quit by means of their own will power, it is recommended that they seek medical help to help stop smoking and overcome their addiction.