Increase Your Sex Drive Q & A
Cigarettes and libido
Dear Dr. Seth,
My wife and I quit smoking almost 6 months ago and, for the last 5 months, my sex drive is almost nil. I have no interest in sex anymore and I wondered if quitting smoking is the reason.
I can't think of anything else that would be affecting me this way. Thanks in advance,
Gerald
Dear Gerald,
First, congratulations on beating the habit! I know it's not easy to do, and you've done a good thing for your overall health. Smoking can lead to infertility (it interferes with sperm production), but NO smoking shouldn't have a negative effect on your sex drive. Some studies have indicated that men who smoke can suffer a decrease in ability to have an erection, but nothing I can find indicates a negative effect on libido for men who stop smoking. Has your relationship with your wife changed in any other way than sharing cigarettes? Was quitting stressful enough to cause the two of you to argue more than usual? Have you taken any kind of medication to help you stop smoking? Have you begun taking any herbs or other supplements or medications in the same time period? You need to look carefully at every possible thing that may have changed in the last few months. Even changing jobs or moving or a child being born or one leaving home....an enormous number of things can affect our libidos. It's a wonder the species ever reproduces, actually! Maybe, since you two have made this huge change, you should reward yourselves with a romantic weekend somewhere. If you can't afford a trip, create a romantic weekend at home or take a picnic to some secluded spot. Do some things to nurture your sex life. It can't hurt and it can certainly make a difference in your libido. Men need romance, too!
