Do cigars increase testosterone levels in men? What do you think? Cigars don’t have a very good reputation because of the multiple health risks that are attached to them. But even then, cigars are considered to be one of the symbols of masculinity. It is used by a huge portion of men as a casual accessory.
Smoking was so ingrained into each of our life to an extent that taking a smoke break became to be viewed as a casual thing. So, it is natural for all the smokers out there to wonder how it will affect their bodies. Many may wonder if cigars increase testosterone levels or not.
So, in this article, we will take a look at this question, Do cigars increase testosterone levels in men? So, let’s get into the topic without any further ado.
What is Testosterone and Why is it Important?
Before diving into the question, do cigars increase testosterone, let’s first find the answer to the question, What is testosterone and why is it important?
Testosterone is one of the primary male hormones produced by one’s adrenal glands. This hormone is mainly responsible for processes like sex differentiation. Testosterone is also responsible for producing male characteristics, sperm production, and fertility.
As this hormone is responsible for one’s primary sexual development it is highly important. It is important for processes like testicular descent, enlargement of penis and testes, and importantly one’s libido. Even secondary sex characteristics like male hair patterns, growth spurts, vocal changes, etc. too are governed by it. So, we have found the answer to the question “What is testosterone and why is it important?” Let’s move forward and focus on our topic; do cigars increase testosterone levels in men or not?
The Effects of Cigars on Testosterone
Now, let’s take a look at the effects of cigars on testosterone before finding out does cigars boost testosterone levels in men. Smoking is said to create a short-term spike of like fifteen to twenty minutes in one’s testosterone levels. The nicotine, cotinine, etc. in cigars are stimulants that can increase one’s nervous system’s activity and also testosterone. However, this increase in testosterone level is only possible for individuals who engage in short-term smoking.
People who are exposed to long-term cigar smoking have been found to experience a significant decrease in their testosterone levels. This is because of the accumulation of toxins from the cigar smoke damaging one’s Leydig cells.
Leydig cells are one of the most important parts of the male reproductive system. These cells located in the testes are responsible for synthesizing and secreting testosterone. So, when the toxins from cigars block and interrupt the function of these cells, the production of testosterone is interrupted.
Further, the oxidative stress and prostate inflammation caused by cadmium cigarette smoke disrupt the production of testosterone. So the answer to the question “Does smoking decrease testosterone levels” is pretty evident. Yes, long-term exposure to cigars can decrease the production of testosterone levels in individuals.
Do Any Tobacco Products Boost Testosterone?
The question “Do any tobacco products boost testosterone?” has been answered and “Do cigars increase testosterone levels in men?” are the same. No types of tobacco cigarettes, cigars, pipe, tobacco, snuff, dip, chewing tobacco, etc. can act as a permanent testosterone booster. So, the answer to the question “Do cigars increase testosterone levels in men? is no. Even though short-term exposure to cigars may slightly increase one’s testosterone levels for a very short amount of time, it is not consistent.
Health Risks Of Cigars vs Potential Testosterone Benefits
Now, let’s take a look at the health risks of cigars vs potential testosterone benefits they may offer to users. We have already looked at the potential testosterone benefits one can gain from cigar smoking. Now let’s take a look at its health risks to compare the health risks of cigars vs potential testosterone benefits.
Health risks of cigars
The cigar smoking comes with an array of health risks. These are some of the most common health risks one can contract by being a long-term cigar smoker.
- Lung disease: Lung disease is one of the most common diseases a majority of long-term cigar smokers come down with. Being exposed to cigar smoke for a prolonged period will increase the risk of contracting COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia.
- Oral health issues: Long-term cigar smoking can lead to oral issues as the acidity of the cigar smoke will cause permanent damage to one’s tooth enamel. Some of the oral issues are tooth loss, gum recession, increased tooth loss, and even tooth discoloration.
- Cardiovascular diseases: The toxins in cigar smoke can cause serious damage to one’s blood vessels causing vascular inflammation. It can cause serious cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, etc.
- Addiction: Cigars contain a high level of nicotine. This can make people who smoke for a long term addicted to it.
So, as one can see when one looks at the health risks of smoking vs potential testosterone benefits smoking cigars to get a temporary testosterone boost that will last for a maximum of 20 minutes is not worth it. So, when one asks, do cigars increase testosterone levels in men, yes it does. But suffering from the side effects of cigar smoking is not worth it.
Alternatives for Boosting Low Testosterone
Now, that we have understood the answer to the question, do cigars increase testosterone levels in men and are you planning to quit smoking?
Exercise
One of the healthiest ways to boost one’s testosterone levels is by engaging in a dedicated exercise regime. Resistance training, weight lifting, etc. can bring about positive changes in one’s testosterone levels.
Including protein, fat, and carbs
Ensure to have a healthy diet that includes all components like protein, fat, carbs, etc. Try to add minerals like zinc, and magnesium, and vitamins like D3, K2, etc. too to effectively boost one’s testosterone levels.
Reduce stress
Chronic stress will lower one’s testosterone levels drastically. So, try to manage your stress and keep your cortisol levels in check by practicing wellness activities like yoga, meditation, etc.
Get quality sleep
One’s sleep quality can determine one’s testosterone levels. So, try to get plenty of high-quality sleep.
Reduce alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce one’s testosterone levels. So, try to reduce the alcohol consumption to a minimum to replenish your testosterone levels.
Take necessary supplements
Try to take supplements for Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, boron, DHEA, fenugreek extract, etc. to boost one’s testosterone production
Final Results
After going through all the information listed in this article it is clear that the answer to the question, Do cigars increase testosterone levels in men? Is both yes and no. When cigars can cause a spike of 15 to 20 minutes in one’s testosterone levels, long-term smoking can cause serious damage to one’s testosterone levels. So if you want to have a better libido and sex health it will be better to stay away from cigars and adopt a better and holistic lifestyle.
What do you think about cigars? Are you planning to quit smoking to increase your libido? Share your experience with us in the comments.
