Is there a link between vaping and erectile dysfunction?

Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah

In the UK 4.7 million adults use vapes and up to 4.3 million men experience erectile dysfunction. We know that smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of having erectile dysfunction (ED). But can vaping? In this article we explore the link between vaping and the ability to get an erection.

What are the risks of vaping vs smoking?

It’s often thought that vaping is as harmful as smoking. However, although not completely risk-free vaping is a lot less harmful than smoking. Cigarettes produce thousands of dangerous chemicals when burnt which cause up to 70 types of cancer. Most of the harmful substances in cigarettes which pose serious health risks are not found in vapes.

However, vaping is not completely without its risks. Vape liquid can contain lots of different chemicals, including vitamin E and diacetyl – both of which are known to irritate the lungs when inhaled.

Smoking narrows the blood vessels in the body, affecting circulation which can cause: 

• Erectile dysfunction
• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Fertility issues
• High blood pressure
• Psoriasis 

Overall, the risks of vaping are much smaller when compared to the risks of smoking cigarettes – in fact, vaping is estimated to be 95% less harmful than smoking. In fact, the evidence suggests that “in the short and medium term, vaping poses a small fraction of the risks of smoking.”

Still, it’s only recommended for adults smokers who are using it to quit smoking.

What do the experts say about sexual performance and e-cigarettes?

An American study examining the link between vaping and erectile dysfunction found that:

• Men who vaped were 2.4 times more likely to report erectile dysfunction than men who had never vaped 

This may be because of nicotine’s effect on blood flow and in turn blood supply to the penis. However, this link is yet to be proven, and more research needs to be carried out.

Dr Neel Patel explains that “tobacco use and smoking is not only dangerous to overall health but can also damage blood vessels and restrict blood flow, including to the penis. Smoking has been strongly linked to an increased risk of ED."

“Similarly to smoking, there is some research to suggest that vape users are more likely to experience ED than men who have never vaped. Vaping has become a huge trend, especially amongst young people. Although vaping is seen to be less dangerous than smoking, people need to be aware of the risks it could pose. Young men using vapes are likely to be unaware of the link with ED.”

I have erectile dysfunction, is it because I vape?

According to research, vaping can increase your likelihood of having ED. If you’re worried you might start experiencing ED, the safest thing to do is to stop vaping. You could use nicotine replacement therapy in the short term to cope with withdrawal and cravings.

If you’re already experiencing ED, speak to a doctor. Your impotence may be caused by an underlying health condition that needs medical attention and treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medication and recommend some lifestyle changes, including quitting vaping.

Does vaping lower testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that’s commonly linked to sex drive in men. It also affects muscle mass, mood and red blood cell production.

A study has found that nicotine in e-cigarettes can decrease testosterone levels. There’s also evidence that vapes without any nicotine that can negatively affect testosterone levels in animal models.

If you’re worried about testosterone speak to your GP. You can also check your levels at home with our men’s health blood test.

Can nicotine addiction cause erectile dysfunction?

Strong blood flow is needed for erections. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict which reduces blood flow around the body, including the penis. If you’re using nicotine products, you’re more likely to have erectile dysfunction.

If you haven’t already, book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and get some tests. As an alternative, you can start by filling out the ED consultation at our online clinic – one of our in-house clinicians will look at your confidential questionnaire and advise you on the best course of action, and whether you’re suitable for treatment with ED tablets.

If I stop vaping, can I cure my erection problems?

Stopping vaping can help you overcome erection problems. One study found that after a year of not smoking, ED symptoms improved for 25% of men.

However, if your erectile issues are caused by other factors like high blood pressure or stress, stopping vaping may not cure them completely. If you are experiencing ED you should speak to a doctor so that they can rule out any other factors.

Stop smoking or vaping can improve your overall health and there are treatments that can help.

Get help to quit vaping or smoking

Vaping can be a good way to quit smoking, but it’s not the only option when it comes to smoking cessation.  

Other options include:

Conclusion

If you vape and are experiencing erectile dysfunction, help is at hand. ED is something experienced by lots of men, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. The important thing is to get the help you need to tackle ED symptoms and stop vaping. 

References

https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797(21)00429-3/fulltext
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
https://patient.info/news-and-features/the-truth-about-vaping
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/what-does-vaping-do-to-your-lung
https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Use-of-e-cigarettes-among-adults-in-Great-Britain-2023.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/the-global-prevalence-of-erectile-dysfunction
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nicotine-vaping-in-england-2022-evidence-update/nicotine-vaping-in-england-2022-evidence-update-main-findings
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10053939/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7504689/
https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2004.05162.x