E-cigarettes and sex: the unexpected result of a new study

Do you smoke and vape? Or do you only "vape" while everyone around you smokes? If so, we have news that may seem strange. A recent study involving 132 adult residents of Malaysia compared those who smoke only regular cigarettes and those who combine them with electronic ones. And here's what it turned out: "dual" users have on average higher sexual desire than "pure" smokers. Sounds like a reason for joy, but don't rush to order a vape - it's not all that simple.

What kind of study is this and who to trust

The work, published in a medical journal, is not a large clinical test, but rather a reconnaissance in force. The scientists took 132 people, divided them into groups, and asked them to fill out questionnaires on depression, anxiety, stress, and sexual function. All participants were smokers, but some preferred only regular cigarettes, while others combined them with electronic ones. It is important to understand: the sample is small, and the recruitment of participants was not random, but "by word of mouth" - it was difficult for researchers to find such people. Therefore, the results are not the ultimate truth, but a reason for further research.

What the numbers showed

On the scale of sexual desire, "dual" users scored on average significantly higher than those who smoked only cigarettes. But interestingly, no differences were found in levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. That is, the improvement in libido is not related to emotional state. The authors emphasize that these are "preliminary data" and "clinical significance remains uncertain." In other words, it may be a coincidence, or it may be a real effect, but it's impossible to say for sure yet.

Why might this be? And should you rush to get a vape?

One hypothesis: nicotine affects the dopamine system in the brain, which is linked to both pleasure and desire. Perhaps with dual use, the nicotine dose "tunes" the system in a way a single cigarette cannot. But these are just guesses. The researchers themselves warn: to understand the mechanism, longitudinal studies are needed - follow people for years, not just ask them once. So using a vape as a "means to increase libido" is definitely not worth it: there is little evidence, and the harm of electronic cigarettes to blood vessels and lungs is already undisputed.

What to do if you smoke and want to maintain your sex life

If you notice that something is wrong with your desire for intimacy, first of all, honestly answer yourself: how much do you smoke or vape? It is known that smoking in general impairs blood circulation, and this is a direct path to problems with erection in men and lubrication in women. Quitting smoking is the most reliable way to restore everything, but it's not fast. Second: don't draw conclusions from a single study. Better discuss your feelings with a therapist or urologist/gynecologist - they will look at your situation comprehensively.

So what's the bottom line? If you vape and smoke, and you're worried about libido, don't rush to rejoice or be upset. Science hasn't given an answer yet. But if you want to restore sexual health, quit smoking - that works for sure.