Vaping is becoming more common these days and is viewed as an alternative to smoking. Vapes or e-cigarettes use cartridges that carry a liquid containing nicotine, artificial flavors, and chemicals. The liquid warms up and condenses into a vapor, which is then inhaled.
When you inhale the vapor, nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in adverse health effects like lung problems, breathing issues, headaches, hair fall, and dry throat, etc. These health issues affect men and women differently because of different biology.
In this article, we are going to discuss how nicotine in vapes affects women’s health:
1. Effects On Reproductive System
Nicotine usage has been linked to various issues faced by females that affect their reproductive system. Women’s reproductive systems are a bit sensitive; this is the reason women who smoke are more likely to have difficulties in conceiving. The commonly experienced causes of vaping seen in women that can affect their reproductive system are:
- Irregular periods and disturbed menstrual cycle.
- Mood swings, tiredness, and vaginal dryness can all be symptoms of low estrogen levels.
- Menopause occurs at a younger age, and the symptoms are more severe.
- Reduce fertility that can cause trouble in getting pregnant.
2. Hair Fall from Nicotine
Hair fall is the most common and serious issue in everyones’ life but especially in women’s. Normal hair fall can be observed in every 2 out of 5 women but frequent hair fall can be dangerous which is often observed in women taking nicotine from vapes.
Nicotine prevents the correct functioning of the hair follicle and, consequently, the formation of new hair. At the medical level, this is a proven cause of hair fall due to nicotine. It also alters female hormones, directly damaging cell membranes causing skin atrophy and dryness, and promoting hair loss.
3. Heart Problems
The heart and blood arteries are damaged by vaping, increasing the risk of cardiovascular attack and stroke. It is a leading cause of cardiac disease that often causes cardiac arrest.
Vaping also raises blood pressure, makes it difficult to exercise, and increases the risk of blood clots. Also, the nicotine from vapes decreases HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Nicotine from vaping also raises your chances of having heart disease, a cardiac attack, or even a stroke.
From research, it is evident that women who inhale nicotine from vaping are more likely to die from heart disease after the age of 35 as compared to men. Also, if women are taking oral contraceptives and also indulge in vaping increases the risk of having heart diseases.
4. Effects On Pregnant Women
If you do become pregnant, the nicotine from vaping might be harmful to your child. Women who take nicotine may have a tougher time during pregnancy, even its results can be seen at the time of delivery or after the baby’s birth. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy can have the worst effect on a baby's development both before and after delivery.
Vaping during pregnancy can lead to such issues:
- Ectopic pregnancies (under which the embryo implants outside of the uterus) are more common in smokers, putting the mother's life in danger.
- They're also more likely to suffer premature membrane rupture and placentas that detach from the uterus too soon.
- Smoking increases the risk of miscarriages, stillbirths, newborns with cleft lip or palate, and babies who are underweight.
5. Effects On Skin
Skin is the biggest body part we have and hence, need our most care. Our skin needs to be healthy and hydrated all the time to function properly. But, nicotine takes both of these things away from our skin. Nicotine is known to dehydrate and this dehydration in the skin can cause dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and early wrinkles around the eyes and face.
Other than dehydration, nicotine stops the nutritional blood flow to the body and so, lessens the healing power of the skin. This means, that if you chip a nail or get a cut on your skin, your body will heal more slowly than it would if it was functioning without nicotine.
6. Effects On Bones And Nails
As mentioned above, nicotine reduces the body’s ability to heal. This means that if you have a fractured bone, it will have trouble healing and might not heal properly and completely.
Because of the liquids present in vapes and the chemicals in nicotine, it also cuts oxygen to the skin and causes discoloration in nails and teeth. This tar can extend to certain areas in your skin as well like hands and face, around the lips and eyes, etc. A smoker, vaper, or coffee drinker’s nails and teeth will have a yellowish tint around nails and teeth which can continue to worsen with age and increased nicotine intake.
7. Effects On Respiratory System
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is more likely to be seen in people who are exposed to nicotine. Breathing becomes difficult as a result of this condition, which gets worse with time. This could affect the lungs badly, causing a weak respiratory system which is then surrounded by bacterial and viral infections.
Not all health problems end up in death but can cause severe damage to one’s health. In this regard, women are more likely to develop severe COPD than men. Due to sensitive body functions, more women die than men from COPD. This disease decreases the function of the immune system and makes bones weaker.
Bottom Line
Vaping in any way is not good for health. Especially women, who get affected more often than men. Nicotine from vapes badly affects women's health that causes their life to be at risk. As compared to men, women go through several body changes and also go through the period of pregnancy. This nicotine can affect their as well as their baby’s life. If you have taken nicotine do consider these points and think once about them. Lead a healthy life by stopping vaping.
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