It is a known fact that smoking
has dangerous repercussions on our body. It significantly increases the risk of
many harmful conditions, aside from exacerbating their severity as well as
having a negative impact on the treatment. Not surprisingly, smoking is also a
major contributing factor for bladder cancer. This includes not just
cigarettes, but also e-cigarettes, hookahs and smokeless tobacco. Here are some
urologic conditions that are affected by smoking:
Kidney Cancer: Studies have shown smoking to be a risk factor for
renal cell carcinoma, otherwise known as kidney cancer. The smoke gets drawn
into the lungs, from where it makes its way through the bloodstream into the
kidneys. This poses a formidable obstruction to an effective kidney treatment programme in the event of such an eventuality.
Erectile Dysfunction: Smoking damages the blood vessels and
therefore adversely affects the blood supply to the penis resulting in an
inability to get and/or maintain a firm erection for sexual intercourse.
Bladder Cancer: Due to the
accumulation of harmful chemicals and drugs in the urine as a result of
smoking, they affect the lining of the bladder and hence increases the risk of
this disease. The risk is also dictated by the smoking quantity, duration of
exposure and second hand smoke exposure.
Infertility: Tobacco and other sources of smoking not only causes a
wide range of urologic diseases and cancers, but also has a marked bearing on
infertility. Exposure to the toxic smoke impacts the genetic makeup of the
sperm and the eggs, affects the production and regulation of hormones and
creates an in conducive environment in the uterus, all of which combine to lead
to infertility. Besides, it also increases the risk of a miscarriage and the
chances of birth defects in the new born.
Therefore, urologists are of the unanimous opinion that smoking
is a habit that is best avoided by those looking to have a child.
Incontinence: Due to disruptions in the bladder, smokers may
experience leaking urine and overactive bladder, which leads to frequent
urination.
Aside from the preventive measure
of quitting smoking altogether, there are some treatment options available to
treat urological cancers once it has set in. One of the specialties that NU
Hospitals is renowned for is urology and infertility treatment, thanks to its
fine team of urology specialists in Bangalore, who run a battery of
tests to diagnose and treat such conditions effectively.
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