|
|
|
IRVINE, CALIFORNIA. Impotence (erectile dysfunction) is a growing problem in the United States. Heart
disease, hypertension, and arthritis are common causes as are the use of cardiac and antihypertensive
medications. Psychological and neurological dysfunction can also play a role. The evidence concerning the
role of cigarette smoking has been somewhat less clear. On the one hand, the tobacco industry portrays
smoking as a virile thing to do (the Marlboro Man); on the other hand, foes of smoking portray it as a vile
habit that, apart from causing cancer and heart disease, can also result in impotence. What is the
truth?
A group of researchers from the University of California has just completed a major study that answers this
question. The researchers reviewed 19 comprehensive research articles dealing with the question of
smoking and impotence involving a total of 3819 impotent men with an average age of 51 years. They
found that 40.1 per cent of them smoked. This compares to an average smoking prevalence in the general
male population of 27.7 per cent. The researchers conclude that the anti-tobacco advertisements featuring
impotence as a reason to avoid smoking are well grounded in scientific fact.
|
|
|
|
