Viagra and Smoking. Health Effects and Safety Concerns

Viagra is a popular medicinal remedy that helps men to overcome erectile dysfunction. Smoking is considered one of the most common causes of erection deterioration. It may seem strange but two mutually exclusive things can exist together. Many smokers use Viagra to achieve high results in sex. Average men have many questions about the risks of combining such opposing substances.

The Effect of Smoking on Erection

Smoking cigarettes, hookah, marijuana or other substances always affects the human body. Typically, over the years, diverse health problems complement dubious pleasures of smoking.

If you like to smoke cigarettes, you should know that nicotine entering the body constricts the vessels of the penile organ and reduces the access of oxygen to the cells. This causes hypoxia, circulatory disorders and even erectile disorders.

Key negative effects of cigarette smoking include:

• slowing down testosterone production
• malfunctioning of the adrenal glands, which synthesize adrenaline (it takes part in sexual arousal reactions)
• deterioration of sperm composition (decrease in the number of viable sperm)
• downgrade of the activity of the centers of the brain involved in the processes of erection and ejaculation.

All these negative consequences significantly reduce the chance of having a healthy erection. Erectile dysfunction makes smokers think about taking sexual enhancers.

Taking Viagra by Smokers

Viagra is developed to treat erectile dysfunction. Studies have been shown that the number of smokers among men suffering from this unpleasant health disorder is about 25%. This means that millions of male persons combine tobacco with Viagra.

The action of sildenafil (active agent of the medicament) is aimed at relaxing the smooth muscle tissues and increasing blood flow in the pelvic organs. A strong erection is possible due to better filling of corpora cavernosa.

The effect of nicotine is diametrically opposed to sildenafil’s action. It can damage blood vessels, decreasing arterial blood flow throughout the body, including in the pelvis are. An erection directly depends on a reliable blood supply through the arteries of the penis. Decreased circulation eliminates the signals from the brain to the organs of the male reproductive system.

Smoking and Viagra nullify each other. The positive effect of sildenafil can overcome the problems caused by nicotine. However, this returns the man to the starting point. He will not feel a significant improvement in sexual function.

There are a lot of reviews on the effectiveness of Viagra on men's forums. Most inveterate smokers claim that taking sildenafil has the desired effect in about a quarter of cases. The positive effect of Viagra on the sexual power is much higher when it comes to men without bad habits.

Want to quit smoking? Read our article about Zyban (Bupropion) medication.

Viagra and Cigarettes: Risks of Mixing

There is no such contraindication as smoking in the instructions for Viagra. However, the concomitant experience can significantly increase the chances of side effects (headache, face redness, dizziness, sensitivity to light, nasal congestion, upset stomach).

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, smokers who do not get the expected result increase the pill’s dosage. Secondly, the body gets enormous stress from combining a catalyst and inhibitor of blood supply.

Avoiding smoking for the duration of sildenafil’s action is the least you can do. It is advisable to pause smoking at least an hour before and 2-3 hours after taking Viagra. This is bad news for fans of a cigarette between intercourse.

The most effective step is a complete cessation of smoking. This will positively affect effectiveness and may lead do dose decrease.

Failure to comply with these rules is fraught with constant suffering from side effects of Viagra. In addition, nicotine-weakened cardiovascular system can malfunction with constant stimulation of blood flow to the penis and further sexual activity. This increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you are not ready to part with a bad habit, take Viagra only after a doctor's consultation and under constant medical supervision.

Dr. Philip Schein MD

MD Philip Schein is an oncologist and Hematology Specialist primary located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is over 55 years of experience in the medical field and more than 20 years of practice. He is skilled at the treatment & diagnosis of a large array of ailments & diseases in adults. Board certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine Certification in Internal Medicine / American Board of Hematology Certification in Hematology / American Board of Medical Oncology Certification in Medical Oncology

*Consulting with a licensed healthcare professional in your own country is always recommended before considering purchasing medications online.