Warning labels on cigarette packages have evolved since the passage of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act of 1965. In 1965, cigarette warnings consisted of small text on packages that read “Caution: Cigarette Smoking May Be Hazardous to Your Health.” Labeling has come a long way since then.
In the 1980s, labeling more clearly signified the risks with cigarette smoking: “SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.”
Now, the FDA includes graphic images to accompany warning labels. In their recent “Required Warnings for Cigarette Packages and Advertisements” Rule, they added 11 updated warnings. Some of the warnings are familiar, like cigarette smoking causes lung disease, is harmful to children, and that it causes Type 2 diabetes. However, one label might surprise people. Read below to learn more.
A Cigarette Warning Label for Erectile Dysfunction
That’s right, one of the 11 new labels focuses on the link between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction (ED). The FDA’s newest labels should start appearing on products starting in mid-March 2020. The motivation to put graphic images on cigarette products is linked to research showing positive effects on lifestyle choices. For instance, graphic warning labels like these are associated with reductions in adolescent smoking, a reduction in the amount of cigarettes smoked, and even leads to smokers giving up their habit.
What to Know About the Link between Erectile Dysfunction and Cigarette Smoking
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by not being able to get or maintain an erection for sex, and/or decreased libido or sexual desire. One of the main causes of ED is issues with circulation, or blood flow. Smoking cigarettes is a well-known risk factor for ED, as the toxic chemicals it contains damage blood vessels and reduce cardiac function, reducing circulatory function. In fact, smokers have double the odds of having ED compared to men who do not smoke.
Medications like Viagra are popular among men with ED because they act as vasodilators, temporarily improving blood flow and improving erections. However, Viagra and similar medications are a temporary solution. Plus, there are risks associated with being a smoker and taking Viagra. Instead, positive lifestyle changes are recommended to improve circulatory health and, subsequently, sexual functioning. That means reducing or ideally quitting smoking.
Putting Out Cigarettes for Good
Quitting cigarettes doesn’t have to be daunting if you break it down into steps.
- Pick a quit date
- Clear your environment of cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, etc. by that date
- Ask for support from friends and family
- Go for walks or seek another form of exercise
- Talk to your doctor about medications to assist with quitting cigarettes
If you’re motivated by reminders and not too scared of the new FDA labels, maybe save the one that talks about smoking and ED to motivate you to stay strong and abstain from smoking.
Men experiencing ED who are also smokers should talk to their doctors before taking any medications to help with ED. They should also consult their doctors on ways to quit smoking and improve their cardiovascular health to see if that improves their sexual performance.
To learn more about convenient online ordering of ED drugs like Viagra, visit the eDrugstore Erectile Dysfunction page.
Kwynn holds a Master of Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Her research examines the intersections of health, technology, and gender-based violence.