Vaping, which involves inhaling aerosolised substances through an electronic device, is said to be a less harmful alternative to cigarettes because it eliminates tobacco use. But is it safe and without risks? Experts believe vaping still exposes users to nicotine addiction and can lead to health complications. Additionally, the aerosol produced by vaping contains harmful chemicals and fine particles that can damage lung tissue when inhaled. Therefore, it is important for smokers to seek evidence-based methods to curbing and quitting smoking. Now, a new study reveals that it can also impact male reproductive health, particularly the testicles.
Study Findings
The study, published in the Spanish-language Journal Revista Internacional de Andrología, involved three groups of rats. One group was subjected to the smoke produced by Winston brand cigarettes, while another group was exposed to the vapour emitted by a Joyetech eGo Aio 1500 mAh vape. A third control group remained unexposed to either smoke or vapour.
The researchers checked the rats’ urine levels for cotinine, which is a byproduct of nicotine metabolism, and found that vaping had a negative impact on the testicles of male rats along with low sex drive and reduced sperm count.
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The findings revealed that e-cigarette vapour reduced the sperm count to 95.1 million sperm per millilitre from 98.5 million per millilitre in those not exposed to any nicotine substances.
The group of rats subjected to cigarette smoke had the lowest of all three counts with 89 million sperm per millilitre. In this instance, the rats' testicles were the smallest in size and had the lightest weight, in contrast to the rats exposed to e-cigarette vapour and the control group.
While the study findings are alarming, experts claim more research is needed to understand the effect of vaping on humans.
Why You Shouldn’t Vape
Dr Harshit Shah, Surgical Oncologist, Associate Consultant, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, says, “There is a general tendency among people to think that vaping is a safer option compared to smoking, but it’s not safe,” adding that vaping can cause damage to the lungs and other body parts, leading to breathing problems, asthma, lung scarring, addiction, and other health issues.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), national and state data from patient reports and product sample testing show tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping products are linked to most e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury cases and play a major role in the outbreak.
Adding further, Dr Shah says, the side effects of vaping can range from coughing to shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, and dryness of mouth, throat, and eye. Vaping contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance and may affect the developing brain in young adults and teens.
Vaping is not less harmful to health than smoking a cigarette, therefore, it's important to avoid both altogether.
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How To Quit
Here are some strategies to help you quit
- Start by setting a quit date
- Seek support from friends or support groups
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Replace vaping with healthier habits
- Consider nicotine replacement therapy
- Stay busy to distract from cravings
- Dispose of vaping devices
- Stay accountable to someone
- Stay patient and persistent
- Celebrate milestones
- Get professional help if needed
- Remember the reasons to quit
- Educate yourself about vaping risks
- Be kind to yourself; slip-ups happen
Bottomline
Vaping may be less harmful to smoking, but it poses a range of harmful effects on health. As research continues, it is clear that vaping is not a risk-free alternative to smoking, and one must be cautious when considering its use. Therefore, people looking to cut off smoking should choose evidence-based smoking-curbing techniques.