Cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED, formerly referred to as impotence, is a common (e specially in diabetic and older men) and distressing condition. Several ris k factors have been identified; among these are smoking,hyperlipidaemia, hy pertension and diabetes mellitus. These risk factors are shared with athero sclerotic vascular disease (e.g. ischaemic heart disease). This observation underlies a common vascular pathology. Smoking may cause ED by several mec hanisms, including adversely affecting intrapenile blood flow. It is import ant to be aware of the link between smoking and ED since this information m ay motivate some male smokers to quit. In this context, it is important to be aware of the link between smoking and ED since this information may moti vate smokers to quit. In this context, it is relevant that there is evidenc e that quitting may restore/improve erectile function.