Can sexual function improve after quitting smoking?

After quitting smoking, sexual function can be improved to some extent in most cases. Nicotine and other harmful chemical substances in tobacco can damage vascular endothelial cells, leading to vascular hardening and narrowing, thereby affecting blood flow. For men, adequate blood flow is essential for maintaining erectile function. When blood vessels are damaged, the blood flow to the penis decreases, which may result in difficulty achieving an erection or a reduced ability to maintain it, a condition known as erectile dysfunction.

After quitting smoking, as the body gradually regains health, endothelial function improves, vascular elasticity increases, and blood circulation becomes smoother, all of which help enhance the ability to achieve an erection. At the same time, quitting smoking reduces the accumulation of harmful substances in the body and helps regulate metabolic status, benefiting overall health and thereby providing a better physiological foundation for normal sexual function. Additionally, quitting smoking can increase libido, as smoking suppresses the production of sex hormones. After quitting, levels of sex hormones in the body may rise, further enhancing sexual desire and sexual satisfaction.