Guide | Are Cigarettes the "Third Partner" in a Relationship? What Research Says
For Mark Jordan, a 22-year-old substitute teacher, cigarettes affected more than his breathing; they also changed his most intimate interactions with his partner. "Sex suddenly became boring," he said. "I had no desire, became short of breath quickly, and felt unwell."
At the time, he smoked half a pack a day and even more on weekends. After nearly fainting in the shower, he realized cigarettes had become a major problem in his sex life. He decided to quit smoking, exercise, and improve his diet. His health improved, and his libido returned stronger than before.
But smoking can affect sexual relationships in other ways as well.
Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the role of smoking in couples. They found that cigarettes can serve as a form of nonverbal communication: lighting one may signal a need to talk, a need for space, or an approaching argument.
The federally funded study was expected to continue for at least another year. Researchers hoped to help couples recognize cigarettes as a hidden "third partner" and develop new ways of connecting without smoking rather than relying on a cigarette after sex.
Clinical observations suggest more direct effects.
"Cigarettes negatively affect male sexual function at every level," said Dr. Panayiotis M. Zavos, professor of reproductive physiology and andrology at the University of Kentucky and director of the Andrology Institute of America.
While treating couples with infertility, the Zavos team found that male smoking not only affected fertility but also substantially reduced libido and sexual satisfaction. These effects were evident even among men in their 20s and 30s.
The data showed that men who smoked had sex no more than six times per month on average, while nonsmokers had sex nearly twice as often. The difference was particularly notable because these couples were actively trying to conceive.
"We are studying in depth how tobacco impairs sexual performance physiologically," Zavos said. "In my clinical experience, cigarettes do affect sexual function. Sexual function involves more than erections; it depends on coordination across the body."
Reduced desire and impaired function ultimately lowered overall sexual satisfaction. In one survey, nonsmoking couples rated their sex lives an average of 8.7, while partners of men who smoked gave an average rating of only 5.2.
"I have no doubt that nearly every man who quits smoking will significantly improve the quality and frequency of his sex life," Zavos said.
Dr. Richard Milsten, a urologist in Woodbury, New Jersey, and co-author of The Sexual Male, added: "Cigarettes damage the smooth muscle inside the penis, interfering with normal erectile function. Sexual activity is complex and affected by many factors, and cigarettes are only one. But saying that quitting smoking can improve sex is no exaggeration."
Quitting smoking is an investment in health and may also help restore desire and intimacy.
Guide | Are Cigarettes the "Third Partner" in a Relationship? What Research Says
Guide | Are Cigarettes the "Third Partner" in a Relationship? What Research Says
For Mark Jordan, a 22-year-old substitute teacher, cigarettes affected more than his breathing; they also changed his most intimate interactions with his partner. "Sex suddenly became boring," he said. "I had no desire, became short of breath quickly, and felt unwell."
At the time, he smoked half a pack a day and even more on weekends. After nearly fainting in the shower, he realized cigarettes had become a major problem in his sex life. He decided to quit smoking, exercise, and improve his diet. His health improved, and his libido returned stronger than before.
But smoking can affect sexual relationships in other ways as well.
Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the role of smoking in couples. They found that cigarettes can serve as a form of nonverbal communication: lighting one may signal a need to talk, a need for space, or an approaching argument.
The federally funded study was expected to continue for at least another year. Researchers hoped to help couples recognize cigarettes as a hidden "third partner" and develop new ways of connecting without smoking rather than relying on a cigarette after sex.
Clinical observations suggest more direct effects.
"Cigarettes negatively affect male sexual function at every level," said Dr. Panayiotis M. Zavos, professor of reproductive physiology and andrology at the University of Kentucky and director of the Andrology Institute of America.
While treating couples with infertility, the Zavos team found that male smoking not only affected fertility but also substantially reduced libido and sexual satisfaction. These effects were evident even among men in their 20s and 30s.
The data showed that men who smoked had sex no more than six times per month on average, while nonsmokers had sex nearly twice as often. The difference was particularly notable because these couples were actively trying to conceive.
"We are studying in depth how tobacco impairs sexual performance physiologically," Zavos said. "In my clinical experience, cigarettes do affect sexual function. Sexual function involves more than erections; it depends on coordination across the body."
Reduced desire and impaired function ultimately lowered overall sexual satisfaction. In one survey, nonsmoking couples rated their sex lives an average of 8.7, while partners of men who smoked gave an average rating of only 5.2.
"I have no doubt that nearly every man who quits smoking will significantly improve the quality and frequency of his sex life," Zavos said.
Dr. Richard Milsten, a urologist in Woodbury, New Jersey, and co-author of The Sexual Male, added: "Cigarettes damage the smooth muscle inside the penis, interfering with normal erectile function. Sexual activity is complex and affected by many factors, and cigarettes are only one. But saying that quitting smoking can improve sex is no exaggeration."
Quitting smoking is an investment in health and may also help restore desire and intimacy.
Story source:
Collected online