Gutka, pan masala can be bad for sex life, says study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The gutka-pan masala ban in the state seems to be a timely decision. For, a recent study by Chandigarh-based Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (IMER) has proven that gutka use can affect productivity of sex hormones in males and females. The study, which was conducted in animals, found that gutka use affects the normal function of a key family of enzymes, known as CYP-450. The CYP-450 enzymes produce testosterone in males and estrogen in females. The study raises concern as 13.1% of males and 8.5% of females in Kerala consume smokeless tobacco products according to a recent survey.Indian Medical Association (IMA), Trivandrum chapter president, Dr Sreejith N.Kumar, points out two aspects of tobacco use that could damage sexual life. “Use of tobacco in any form leads to atherosclerosis or the narrowing of blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the genital organ, leading to erectile dysfunction in males,” he says.“Also chronic tobacco use leads to heart attacks and other diseases such as hypertension, which reduces exercise capacity. Post treatment, patients are advised controlled sexual activity leading to reduced quality of life. Some of the drugs prescribed for heart conditions also impair active sexual health,” he said.