If you're a smoker, you should know that smoking has many effects on you. Some of them are reversible, while some aren't. Some are long term effects and some are on short term.

On of the main damage caused by smoking is to cancel the arteries ability to expand. The repercussions are multiple. Recently, a study targeting the condition of 8,000 Australian smokers has concluded that almost one in 10 subjects experienced erectile problems.

The theory is that the toxins released in cigarette smoke, carbon monoxide mainly, are absorbed in the blood. They can damage vessels and cause the reducing of blood flow in your arteries. Maintaining an erection requires a surge of blood to the penis. If they are healthy, arteries get larger to allow the increased flow. But arteries damaged by cigarette smoking cannot expand as much, causing an inadequate erection. Other damages coming over the time, such as arteries clogging, can aggravate the condition by altering the trapping process of blood within the penis. The result will be the undesirable impotence.

Smoking may cause temporary or permanent impotence. If you are young and quit smoking, impotence is likely mostly reversible. When you quit do not expect an immediate improvement. Keep in mind that you can see the benefits of this quitting smoking after a few weeks.

I think that a final note is necessary. Just because you smoke and have erectile problems doesn't mean for sure that they are caused by smoking. Your best choice to clarify your situation is to quit as soon as possible. If that doesn't work, go to your physician and have an open discussion.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in items such as benefits of quitting smoking