When we are young and everything is working well, it never occurs to us that anything can go wrong with this wonderful machine we all live in. The human body gets wrapped up in a myth of invincibility so we do many things we should not do at all, and do many things that are intrinsically not so dangerous to a dangerous excess. That is what being young is all about. We all have to learn where our limits are. Of course, this includes sex and most will experiment both with conventional sex and sex in conjunction with recreational drugs. Taking cialis to maintain stamina over a long weekend of activity is safe. Other substances may be less helpful.

Then, as we grow older, the body can start presenting us with the bills for our past excesses. Clinical studies have now established that about a quarter of all cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) are caused by smoking and/or substance abuse. Put another way, male smokers who have high blood pressure are 26 times more likely to suffer ED. Former smokers with high blood pressure are 11 times more likely to suffer ED than those who have never smoked. Smoking also accelerates arteriosclerosis and this can reduce the flow of blood into the penis. The combination of diabetes and smoking not only encourages ED but also increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Why does this happen? The problem is the inhaled carbon monoxide. It combines with the haemoglobin in the red blood cells and limits the capacity of the cells to carry oxygen around the circulatory system. The lack of oxygen leads to a hardening of the artery walls and a reduction in the amount of blood that reaches the peripheral extremities of the body (including the penis and testicles). Worse, it also contributes to a general loss of libido and a reduction in the sperm count.

We all probably enjoy a little drink of alcohol from time to time. It tends to make social events go more smoothly. Unfortunately, the more we drink the greater the potential damage to the blood vessels. Alcohol increases blood pressure. In the short term, sexual performance may improve because we are less inhibited (no performance anxiety) but, if this should tip into excess and alcoholism, ED usually results.

The best answer is always prevention. Never smoking, whether actively or passively, preserves our health. Similarly, never drinking excessively and then only drinking a little red wine every day, reduces the risks of heart disease. If we started to smoke, stopping immediately is the ideal. If there are signs of ED, taking cialis will probably be sufficient to restore full function. But if the damage is too great, then further medications may be required. Should you have reached the tipping point into alcoholism and a loss of libido, there are programs that help you to quit the alcohol, and there is always cialis to try to restore you interest in sex.