How Vaping Affects Your Testosterone? Side Effects and ED Treatments

Does Vaping Affect Your Testosterone?

Every year millions of people around the globe try to quit smoking, but they tend to move towards options of nicotine patches and electronic cigarettes.

E-cigarettes also known as vapes usually heat nicotine and vapors are inhaled through them.

Many people see it as an alternate and healthy option other than cigarette smoking as it eliminates tar and carbon monoxide.

But there is still a lot to learn about its long-term health effects; Is vaping safe for health?

According to studies, there is a lot more about vaping, that the world is unaware of, for example, the significant effect of vaping on male fertility.

This blog digs into the link between vaping and male testosterone levels to find out the exact truth. The discussion begins by answering the very question: Is vaping bad for testosterone or not?

Let’s reveal…

Does Vaping Affect Testosterone?

There is some evidence to suggest that vaping may hurt testosterone levels in men.

Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a key role in the development of male physical characteristics, as well as sexual function and overall health.

Some studies have found that vaping can lead to decreased testosterone levels in men:

One study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2018 found that men who vaped had significantly lower levels of testosterone compared to non-vapers.

Another study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology in 2016 found that exposure to e-cigarette vapor resulted in decreased testosterone levels in male mice.

The exact mechanism by which vaping may lower testosterone levels is not fully understood.

However, it is thought that the nicotine, chemicals, and other toxins in e-cigarette vapor may disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormone production in the body.

Mainly, it affects the lungs but even impacts the brain and reproductive system. This means in a way it does impact male sex hormones, which can lead to adverse consequences related to fertility and even more.

Additionally, nicotine, which is present in many e-cigarette liquids, can also hurt testosterone levels.

More comprehensive research is required to uncover the shady area. However, vaping may be affecting the male sex hormone in multiple ways.

1: Chemical constituents

Often the popular vaping pen encompasses flavourings, nicotine, and other additives. The drastic effects of nicotine on male hormones are famous.

The substance can lessen the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which naturally depletes the T-level. On top of that, other inclusions like formaldehyde and acrolein may also have a negative effect on hormone production and secretion.

2: Inflammation

Vaping is linked to elevated markers of inflammation. Regular vaping can further aggravate the situation of inflammation.

Surprisingly, chronic inflammation, which can occur due to vaping addiction, can affect hormone creation, and affect hormonal balance. This includes male sex hormones as well.

3: Oxidative stress

Vaping is fun, but it requires inhaling heated aerosol. This can create free radicals in the body while causing oxidative stress in the human body.

Various scientific findings indicate that oxidative stress hinders the endocrine system while reducing hormone secretion specifically male hormone.

4: Affects hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis manages the production of various hormones including testosterone. It has a complicated functioning between the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testes.

Vaping regularly can affect its functioning potentially altering the t-levels.

These are the ways in which probably vaping can affect the male hormone. Still, the effects are likely to vary among individuals depending on the duration and frequency of vaping.

Moreover, exposure to other toxic substances can also affect the impact.

Even some studies have tried to know exactly how does vaping affect testosterone.

Some do put forth strong findings.

Vaping and testosterone: The Studies

A systematic review tried to expose the exact effects of e-cigarette vapour components on the morphology and function of the male and female reproductive systems. The animal studies suggested e-cigarette’s ability to affect seminiferous epithelium and sperm morphology.

In humans, it is likely to negatively impact the morphology and function of the reproductive organs. The study also mentioned the effects of diverse flavours present in e-fluids as they are more harmful than inhaling nicotine alone.

Vaping is promoted as a safer alternative to smoking and even this study concluded the same. However, it isn’t applicable to stop a smoker from smoking. At the end of the day, it affects the body in one way or another.

There are several sexual sides of vaping observed in men specifically. Most likely it occurs due to vaping’s impact on testosterone production and secretion.

Sexual Side Effects of Vaping in Men

Well, the scientific community isn’t fully aware of the potential side effects of vaping in men as more and more discoveries are developing in this area.

Nonetheless, a couple of studies and reports highlight the possible concerns about men’s health due to frequent vaping and elongated vaping.

These side effects of vaping in men are likely to differ from man to man. Excessive vaping constricts blood flow putting your organs at risk, but its sexual side effects are more concerning.

Here’s a list of major sexual side effects of vaping in men.

1. Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Vaping is likely to affect vascular health and blood flow. Thus, regular vaping hinders blood flow to the groin area. This leads to difficulties in maintaining or sustaining an erection causing Erectile dysfunction (ED).

2. Decreased Testosterone Levels

As discussed earlier, the main side effect of vaping is a reduction in testosterone production and secretion. It affects the functioning of the test to produce testosterone and release it. Eventually, a sharp dip in t-level is obvious in people with vaping addiction.

3. Delayed Sexual Arousal

Smoking and vaping are similar in ways they slow down the nervous system. Sexual arousal is highly dependent on it. Thus, regular vaping men find it longer to get going.

4. Low Libido

Vaping causes major hormonal changes in the body, specifically, it affects the male hormone levels. The decrease in testosterone level is responsible for low libido and sexual desire in men.

5. Psychological Problems

Vaping depletes testosterone levels which naturally affects sexual function in men. Usually, men with sexual problems are likely to encounter mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. The inability to satisfy the partner further aggravates the psychological distress.

6. Impaired sperm quality

Vaping has been associated with decreased sperm count, motility, and morphology, as well as DNA damage in sperm cells. These factors can have implications for male fertility and potentially affect sexual health.

7. Hormonal imbalances

Again, substances in vapour liquids, for instance, nicotine and other additives, are likely to hinder the endocrine system. At the same time, it may affect hormone regulation as well as production. Disturbance in hormonal balance can trigger sexual impairment.

The potential sexual side effects are evident in many folks, but the intensity isn’t similar. Also, not everyone suffers from all the sexual side effects of vaping in men.

It entirely depends on how one is into vaping. An excessively addicted person is likely to experience intense and more side effects than others.

Vaping affects male fertility and even sperm health. Though it hasn’t been dived into much, the explanation is available.

How Vaping Affects Male Fertility and Sperm Health?

Vapes are comparatively safer than regular cigarettes because of the lower amount of nicotine present in them.

But that doesn’t certify vapes to be extremely safe for your body.

In fact, according to studies and clinical evidence, vapes have got nicotine combined with several other toxins that greatly affect male fertility.

Further, these reports were confirmed by the following studies that list the effect of vaping on your sexual system and also laid an eye on how is vaping bad for testosterone.

#1. Effects of a low dose of nicotine present in Vapes

A study conducted in 2017 studies the effects of chronic use of low-dose nicotine on sperm health in adolescent men.

For the study, 12 rats were selected and divided into two groups where one group was given a low dose (0.6 mg/bodyweight) of nicotine for 28 days.

According to the results, such a low dose of nicotine resulted in:

• A decline in sperm health with a noticeable decrease in sperm motility, and viability
• This resulted in a decline in the precursor cells of sperm which could be because of lowered testosterone.
• There was a decline in the weight of the testis.

There was another similar rat study that led to similar results, hence signifying that there could be similar Side Effects of Nicotine in Men.

There were also studies based on humans which shed more light on the Impact of vaping/ nicotine on male health.

#2. Vaping and fertility in males

A study from 2020 led us directly towards “Does vaping affect male fertility” as the study was based on the use of e-cigarettes among younger men in the general population.

They considered 2008 men who had information regarding cigarettes and marijuana, among which 1221 men had info on vaping.

According to the results observed through blood samples and questionnaires filled by these participants:

Daily e-cigarette users had a low sperm count. Testosterone levels were found to be lower among e-cigarette smokers as compared to regular smokers.

Some studies pointed out the side effects of those e-cigarettes that didn’t use nicotine!

For example, a study was conducted in 2016 comparing the effects of vape refills with and without nicotine in rats.

According to the results:

• e-liquid with or without nicotine reduced sperm viability and density.
• There was a decrease in testosterone levels in both cases.
• The study also pointed out structural abnormalities in the reproductive organs of the rats.

Hence, all of these studies indicate that vapes in all forms can be vicious to your sexual health.

The blog began with the question—Is vaping bad for testosterone? We have reached the point where we know it isn’t just bad for your male sex hormone, but fertility and sperm health as well.

Though using e-cigarettes is trendy and comparatively safer than regular cigarettes, it isn’t harmless. In fact, it puts men at higher risk for fertility problems and lower sperm count. Again, The impact entirely depends on the frequency and duration of vaping. This isn’t all, vaping can be a major culprit behind ED.

From sperm health to structural abnormalities, vaping has a vast effect, but Can Vape Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Men too?

Let’s find out.

Is vaping linked to ED?

Vaping isn’t just a testosterone killer, it may be an ED trigger also. Well, the link between vaping and ED isn’t yet clear completely.

However, the developing scientific understanding does indicate that e-cigarettes can be a possible reason behind Erectile dysfunction (ED).

Vaping and Erectile Dysfunction: The Link

The vascular effects of vaping can be detrimental in causing erectile dysfunction.

Inhaling toxic substances, aerosols, and chemical present in e-cigarettes results in vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, and excessive oxidative stress. Ultimately, the said vascular changes affect blood flow to the groin area leading to ED.

Another well-known cause is the impact of nicotine, which is famous for its vasoconstrictive effects. The substance lessens the production of nitric oxide.

The molecule is necessary for ensuring adequate blood flow and relaxing blood vessels. Eventually, decimated NO production due to nicotine again affects blood flow to the groin resulting in problems like ED.

One of the obvious reasons is that vaping caused hormonal disturbance. Particularly, testosterone disturbance results in the impairment of sexual function.

The male sex hormone is necessary for libido as well as erectile function. Thus, lessened T-levels can naturally contribute to developing ED or worsening it.

Vaping even causes stress, anxiety, and depression-like symptoms or even worsens it. Indeed, these psychological factors directly affect sexual performance while making a contribution to the development of ED.

Not all cases of ED occur due to vaping, but regular vapers are likely to develop ED if already struggling with the problem, their condition may worsen.

Fortunately, there are many treatments available to cure erectile dysfunction caused by vaping.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Best Treated?

ED is a most disturbing condition for a man to face and vaping in today’s time has emerged as a major culprit behind it.

Though vaping can cause erectile dysfunction in men, it is treatable at the same time. Thanks to the available treatments, changing your sexual condition is possible now.

Here’s how to fix ed from vaping.

#1: Quit Vaping

The very first thing to do to treat erectile dysfunction caused by vaping is to quit vaping. It would directly stop the impact on different body functions contributing to ED.

For instance, there would be a stop to further hormonal imbalance, vascular impairment, and oxidative stress, which might have worsened ED.

#2: Physical Activity

Workout isn’t just good for the good body and overall health, it even improves circulation. This would result in better blood flow to the groin and lessen stress levels.

Go for moderate cardio workouts like running, jogging, hiking, cycling, or even swimming. Evidently, it won’t only benefit physical health, but likely promote sexual health.

Seek support from healthcare professionals, join smoking cessation programs, or explore resources available to help you quit vaping successfully

#3: Dietary Changes

What you eat has a huge role in how the body functions. In fact, a diet high in unhealthy fats and cholesterol affects arteries and lessens blood flow to the penis.

The better substitute to fight ED caused by vaping would be a diet rich in healthy fats, veggies, fruits, and whole grains. It won’t only help lose weight, but lessen the onset of cardiac ailments while lessening the risk of ED.

#4: Lifestyle modifications

A healthy lifestyle would naturally support erectile function.

Apart from staying active and having a healthy diet plan, it becomes important to manage stress, sleep for adequate hours, reduce nicotine consumption, and lessen alcohol intake as well.

Eventually, it works to benefit overall vascular health while improving erectile function.

#5: Seek Medical Advice

One of the best things to do is to consult with a healthcare professional like a urologist or a sexual health specialist. They would evaluate your case and the cause behind ED. Eventually, they would provide a personalized ED treatment.

#6: RestoreWave Therapy

RestoreWave therapy (or “acoustic wave therapy“) is a new yet popular ED treatment. It utilizes a wand-like device to generate sound waves to treat erectile dysfunction.

The operator moves the device over the affected area to eradicate the plaque build-up in the blood vessels and arteries to promote blood flow.

Surprisingly, the non-invasive treatment has been highly effective in improving erectile function.

#7: Oral Medications

Certain oral medications can work for treating ED caused by vaping.

For instance, medications like vardenafil (Levitra), tadalafil (Cialis), sildenafil (Viagra), or avanafil (Stendra) emerge as top recommendations for treating the problem.

Nonetheless, the use of the medication should be after discussion with the healthcare provider.

#8: Address Psychological Factors

Vaping triggered ED can further aggravate due to psychological factors like anxiety or stress.

In such a case, managing stress and anxiety becomes necessary. Going for counseling or therapy would help manage the problem to prevent ED.

#9: Monitor and Optimize Hormone Levels

As mentioned earlier, vaping causes hormonal disturbance resulting in testosterone reduction which leads to impaired erectile function. Thus, monitoring and managing hormonal balance can help treat erectile dysfunction.

Apart from this, there are several natural ways to treat ED also:

a) Panax ginseng: Also known as Korean ginseng, this herb has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and to improve sexual function. A study found that men with ED who took 900 milligrams of Korean red ginseng three times per day for eight weeks had improved erections compared to those who took a placebo.

b) L-arginine: This amino acid is converted to nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Some studies have suggested that L-arginine supplements can improve erectile function, but the evidence is mixed.

c) Yohimbine: Derived from the bark of the Yohimbe tree, yohimbine has been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. Some studies have found that yohimbine can improve erectile function in men with ED, but more research is needed.

d) DHEA: This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in the production of testosterone. Some studies have suggested that DHEA supplements can improve erectile function in men with low levels of testosterone.

e) Tribulus Terrestris: This herb has been used in traditional medicine to improve libido and sexual function. Some studies have found that Tribulus Terrestris supplements can improve erectile function in men with ED, but more research is needed.

However, it must be noted that natural herbal supplements can interact with other medications and have side effects.

Erectile Dysfunction is becoming more common with days passing by and its increasing popularity. Fortunately, treatments for ED caused by vaping are available.

Still, treatment would entirely depend on the individual and the severity of the problem.

In such a situation, getting an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional becomes important to get the right treatment plan. In the end, we would sum up our discussion on “Is vaping bad for testosterone”.

Conclusion

Well, the blog begins with the answer to the popular query- Is vaping bad for testosterone or not?

It isn’t just bad for male sex hormones, but the complete male reproductive system. It affects the vascular system, male fertility, and sperm count while causing erectile dysfunction.

However, the important thing to note down here is the severity entirely depends on the usage of vaping.

A frequent vaper would have a worse experience than an occasional vaper. On top of that, how long does vape also matter? Of course, vaping for a longer duration puts you more at risk.

Vaping is better than regular cigarettes, but it isn’t free of the side effects of nicotine in men.

Not only it causes problems related to nicotine and testosterone, but other toxic additives present result in a harsher impact on different body functions.

Hence, to avoid the harm caused by cigarettes it’s best to avoid regular use of vaping as it’s the same in addiction and effects.