While you may be familiar with the respiratory consequences of smoking, did you know it can impact your urinary system as well? Patients visit urology specialists every year for urinary problems without realizing the link smoking has on this system. The next time you visit a urologist, remember to mention your smoking habit; it may affect your diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions.

4 Reasons Urology Specialists Advise Against Smoking

1. Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer ranks among the top five most common organ cancers in America, and studies show smoking cigarettes triples the risk of developing this condition. More than 60 carcinogens are absorbed by the body when a smoker inhales, and some of those chemicals remain in the urine after it’s expelled from the body.

2. Infertility

Smoking impacts fertility in both men and women. The habit can negatively affect each stage of reproduction, including the maturation of the egg and sperm, hormone production, and the integrity of the uterine lining. Additionally, women who are regular smokers take longer on average to conceive than their nonsmoking counterparts.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

Because the nicotine in cigarettes restricts blood flow, many men who smoke have difficulty getting or remaining erect. Fortunately, urology specialists say this side effect should fade as your vascular health improves after you quit smoking.

4. Incontinence

Smokers often develop a chronic cough, which can be difficult to predict, control, or stop. When this occurs, heavy strain is put on the pelvic floor muscles in women. With constant pressure placed on these muscles, incontinence, or struggling to control or stop small amounts of urine, may occur. 

Quitting smoking will have a variety of positive health effects, including on your urinary systems. Medical Center Urology provides urological care and services to individuals in High Point, NC, and surrounding cities. The urology specialists on staff offer comprehensive testing, diagnostics, and evaluation of urinary health conditions in a comfortable and safe environment. To learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, visit the website or call (336) 882-0220 today.