Does smoking affect vaginal nerve sensitivity?
Yes, smoking can decrease vaginal nerve sensitivity by reducing blood flow, affecting hormone levels, and impairing nerve function. These effects may reduce sexual sensation over time.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow and reduces oxygen supply to tissues, including the pelvic area. This impairs nerve and tissue health, and can lower oestrogen levels, both of which are needed for optimal vaginal sensitivity. Quitting smoking may help restore nerve function and improve sexual sensation. NHS: Why quit smoking?.
Clinical Context
Women who smoke and notice changes in sexual sensation are advised to discuss quitting options with their healthcare provider. Improvement in nerve and vascular health is possible with smoking cessation.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NICE and NHS recommend smoking cessation for better sexual, vascular, and nerve health (NHS: Why quit smoking?).