Does Nicotine Affect Your Sex Drive?

If you’ve ever felt like your desire for intimacy isn’t what it used to be, nicotine could be playing a bigger role than you think. Research suggests that nicotine users often report lower libido and less satisfaction in their sex lives—so what’s going on? 

While nicotine is widely known for its stimulant effects, its impact on libido often flies under the radar. The reality? Nicotine can impact your sex drive by interfering with blood circulation, hormonal balance, and overall sexual function. 

But here’s the good news—if nicotine has been holding you back in the bedroom, there are ways to turn things around. Switching to smokeless alternatives like nicotine pouches eliminates exposure to cigarette smoke, but nicotine itself may still influence the body in various ways. 

Nicotine influences the body in several ways that can negatively impact your libido. Here’s how:

Healthy blood circulation is key for sexual arousal, but nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This restriction can reduce blood flow to key areas of the body, including the genitals, leading to difficulties with arousal and overall decreased sensitivity. 

For men, reduced circulation from nicotine use has been associated with a higher likelihood of erectile dysfunction (ED). Some studies suggest that male smokers may be at twice the risk of ED compared to non-smokers, though individual factors vary. A 2021 study looking at risk factors for decreased libido in older men even found that cigarette smoking was significantly associated with a severely decreased sex drive.

For women, poor circulation caused by nicotine use can result in reduced lubrication and diminished pleasure. A 2015 study found that premenopausal women who smoked had a higher frequency of sexual dysfunction, with lower desire, arousal, and overall satisfaction. And the more frequently they smoked, the worse the effects.

If you’ve noticed things aren’t quite the same as before, nicotine could be playing a role.

Nicotine use has been linked to changes in testosterone levels, a key hormone for sexual desire in all genders, though findings remain inconclusive. Some studies suggest that smoking may actually lead to higher testosterone levels in men, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to a better sex drive. Nicotine can disrupt the body’s hormone regulation, potentially leading to lower libido over time. Women who smoke or use nicotine may also experience changes in estrogen levels, which can impact sexual desire and function. 

A small 2020 study found that young adults with nicotine dependence experienced issues with sex drive, arousal, erection, and even orgasm. While nicotine’s effects on sexual health are often associated with long-term use, this study suggests that problems can arise even in younger adults, reinforcing that nicotine’s impact on the body can be immediate.

Hormones play a huge role in how we feel—so it’s worth considering how nicotine might be affecting yours.

Nicotine triggers dopamine release, which is why people often experience a temporary mood boost when using it. But over time, nicotine can interfere with the brain’s natural reward system, making it harder to feel pleasure—including sexual pleasure—without it. 

Have you ever felt like your desire for intimacy has faded? Nicotine might be part of the reason. Additionally, nicotine can increase stress levels by stimulating the release of cortisol, a hormone known to dampen sexual desire. Since stress and libido don’t mix well, this is another way nicotine can impact your sex drive.

The good news? Many of the negative effects of nicotine on libido may be reversible. 

Some people who quit nicotine often notice an improvement in their blood circulation, hormonal balance, and overall sexual function. And while everyone’s body recovers at its own pace, a renewed sex drive is something many former nicotine users report after quitting.

For those looking to quit, nicotine pouches can be a smokeless alternative while avoiding the harmful effects of tobacco combustion. If you’re considering making a change, taking small steps can still make a big difference over time.