Special information for smokers

Effects on women

If you are a young woman, smoking increases your chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb), cervix and ovaries. It can make your periods more painful or irregular. Women may also be at greater risk of developing serious health problems. Women who use birth control pills and smoke are more likely to have heart problems and be at a higher risk for having a stroke. Women who smoke reach menopause faster. Compared to non-smokers, women who smoke are at increased risk of bone loss (osteoporosis). Of course, you already know that smoking is bad for your skin, teeth and gums. It can cause your teeth and clothes to smell. There's nothing sexy or beautiful about that.

Women are more likely to smoke to relieve stress , loneliness or feelings of sadness (depression). The truth is, smoking may actually increase the stress your body feels. Like stress, smoking increases your heart rate and blood pressure. Smoking also can't change the source of your stress, sadness, or depression -- so it may just go on and on. But you can deal with it. Also, see the tips on talking positively to yourself . We all have a few bad days now and then, but if you feel really depressed or your depression lasts more than a few days, ask for help from your doctor, school nurse or counsellor. Hiding behind the smoke from your cigarette doesn't solve anything.

Young women are also more likely to report smoking to control their weight . Smoking isn't very good at helping with weight control. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Did you know that being physically active not only improves your health and can help maintain a healthy weight, but it can also help you to quit smoking? Research indicates that women who are physically active are less likely to gain weight after they quit smoking and more likely to remain smokefree.

Did you know that women tend to become addicted to nicotine faster than men? This is because women weigh less. This means nicotine is more concentrated in your body. It also means that women may experience more intense withdrawal symptoms .

Did you know that women's menstrual cycles may influence the chances of quitting? It's true. Women improve their chances of staying smokefree if they don't start their quit attempt during their period.

Effects on Men

Young men tend to smoke more. Because men tend to weigh more, the effects of nicotine do not last as long in men as they do in women. So, men tend to smoke more in order to produce the same effects. And the more you smoke, the more it affects your breathing , your heart , your ability to sleep, and so on. Fitness levels go down. Your risk of getting sick early in your life goes up.

You may know that smoking reduces blood flow and causes a sticky white substance called plaque to collect on the inside of your arteries. But did you know this can cause impotence ? That's right, smoking can reduce your ability to get or keep an erection.

It's good to be optimistic in life. However, men are more likely to overestimate their chances of quitting smoking. They may spend less time preparing for their quit attempt or learning how to cope with withdrawal , cravings and temptations. Ironically, this can reduce their chances of success.

Males who quit smoking are more likely to start smoking again when they are out with their friends and/or having a good time. Males are also less likely to seek help to quit smoking. Therefore, an important way to increase your chances of quitting and staying smokefree is to get the support of your friends or get a quitting buddy . Don't be embarrassed or afraid to ask for help. Not only can your friend provide support, but making a public commitment about your intention to quit can increase your motivation to stay smokefree. If you don't think your smoking friends will help you, it may be necessary to spend less time with them until you are completely confident that you can remain smokefree.