Ugly facts of smoking in women

It’s essential that each and every woman takes care of her own health and well being. Giving up smoking is an important way to begin this approach and is strongly recommended by doctors to decrease the chances of serious health problems for women later in life. Some smoking related health problems can cause infertility as well as fatal diseases like cancer.

How does smoking affect women?

Women smokers suffer short term repercussions such as yellow teeth, bad breath and premature wrinkles, which can be seen early on in life. Research has shown that women are more susceptible to the dangers of nicotine as they have a slower metabolic cleansing system than men have. Women are 12 times more prone to death due to lung cancer than non-smokers are and have an increased risk of other cancers such as larynx, pharynx, mouth, kidney, esophagus, pancreas, kidney and bladder cancers. They are also 10 times more susceptible to death due to bronchitis and emphysema.

Side effects of smoking in women

Women smokers experience unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding, and an increased frequency of secondary amenorrhea, absence of menstruation and irregularity of periods. Women are at more risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes during the use of estrogens. Women who smoke are 72% more likely to suffer from infertility as compared to non-smokers.

Factors hampering normal sexual function

Nicotine restricts blood flow, which hampers sexual arousal. The blood flow to the labia, clitoris and vagina flows less steadily, which has a detrimental effect on arousal and sensitivity. Smoking also leads to decreased fertility. Pregnant women who smoke can face issues such as preterm delivery, premature rupture of thier membranes, placenta previa, miscarriage and neonatal death.

Why do women smoke? - Lifestyle of women smokers

Even though some women are aware of these problems, they continue smoking. Some popular reasons cited by women for their smoking is that it allows them to relax and curb any present or potential feelings of aggression and sometimes even depression. Stress can become a frequent occurrence in the workplace and at home, and smoking is one way women often relieve themselves from that stressful sensation. Many women also smoke to lose weight. Although this is an effective method, the negative effects significantly outweigh the advantages.

Recommended medications

Smoking not only affects you but also the people around you. Women who have children or who wish to have children are at the greatest risk. You can take prescription smoking cessation medications such as Chantix or Zyban, to get help to quit the habit. Both Chantix and Zyban are clinically proven and approved by the FDA in the US. Consult a doctor to find out which of these 2 drugs, Chantix and Zyban are more safe and beneficial for you.