Most know that vaping comes with a severe lack of health benefits but a latest report has brought to light the true horrors behind puffing away on e-cigarettes.

Dramatically grown in popularity since they first arrived in the UK in 2005 - mostly due to the public believing they're 'better for you' than smoking - the have finally been exposed and amid a flurry of negative attributes, there's a further blow for vapers, and it involves getting intimate.

Superdrug Online Doctor, Dr Babak Ashrafi, has responded to recent revelations about , shedding light on some of its lesser-known effects.

With new research revealing that may in fact be as harmful as smoking and with 4.3 million people in the UK now addicted, the doctor has explored how this popular source of nicotine is impacting our bodies.

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Why is vaping so addictive?

Much like traditional cigarettes,. This substance triggers the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine in your brain, which are linked to feelings of pleasure and reward.

However, certain electronic vapes can deliver nicotine to the bloodstream faster than cigarettes, potentially making them more addictive. When you become hooked on nicotine, quitting vaping can lead to withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety.

Coupled with the wide variety of flavours on offer, this has fuelled a significant surge in vaping in recent years.

What are the lesser-known health impacts of vaping?

It's widely known that smoking is the top cause of lung cancer worldwide and poses serious risks to our cardiovascular health. But there are also other, less well-known health issues associated with vaping.

In blokes, puffing on e-cigarettes could heighten the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and negatively affect sperm quality. Vaping can mess with your blood flow and endothelial function, which can in turn hamper your ability to get and keep an erection.

It's also been linked to a drop in testosterone levels which can both dampen libido and up the risk of ED. Several studies have suggested that vaping might also harm sperm quality, lowering sperm count and motility.

Research is more limited when it comes to how vaping can affect women's fertility outside of . However, recent studies have discovered that both smoking and vaping can lead to irregular and more painful periods, while the toxins entering your body can potentially damage ovarian follicles and reduce egg quality.

It's not great news for teens...

Vaping has also been associated with mental health problems, especially among teenagers. Nicotine can temporarily boost mood and induce relaxation, but these are fleeting effects which lead to dependence.

Changes in nicotine levels due to vaping can potentially mess with mood regulation and ramp up anxiety. The rise in teen vaping has been a growing worry, with a recent report revealing a 50% increase.

Adolescence is a crucial time for brain development, making young people more vulnerable to anxiety and stress as a result of withdrawals.

What are your top tips for those trying to kick the vaping habit?

Understanding the effects of vaping and its impact on your body could be the push you need to cut down on nicotine. Recognising what triggers your cravings is a crucial part of kicking the habit.

Many turn to smoking as a stress or anxiety reliever. Identifying the root causes of your stress and finding other ways to cope, like going for a walk, chatting with mates, or even chewing gum, can make all the difference.

For more info visit onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/quit-smoking

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