The U.S. Surgeon General has confirmed that smoking can cause lung cancer. But over the fifty-plus years that followed, we found out that smoking cigarettes are the cause of numerous other terrible illnesses, which contribute to the loss of lives to smoking tobacco we currently face. Below are some of the Health Effects of smoking that you may not have known about.

Health Effects of Smoking:

1. Going Blind

Smoking isn’t going to do your eyes much good. Smoking increases the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness among adults older than 65 years old.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Smoking can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and can increase the chance of complications caused by the disease, such as inadequate blood flow to the feet and legs. So this can cause infection and lead to the necessity of amputating the leg. You could end up losing your leg or foot!

3. Erectile Dysfunction

Male sexual function can be affected by smoking. Smoking tobacco can obstruct blood vessels throughout the body, even those which provide liquid to your penis. So the good news is that stopping can have a significant impact.

4. Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies are a serious female reproductive issue that is more common for smokers. It happens when a fertilized egg is implanted outside of the uterus. The egg can’t survive and put mom’s life in danger.

5. Hip Fractures

Smokers decrease the density of their bones at a greater rate than non-smokers, which puts them at risk of breaking body parts, like your hip. Quitting smoking cigarettes can slow this process and prevent you from working up a sweat, but not your bones, while you dance floor.

6. Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer that develops within your intestinal tract (colon or rectum) is the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality within the United States. One reason? Yup, cigarette smoking. So smoking tobacco is linked to a higher likelihood of dying from this form of cancer.

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting inflammation that is more prevalent for women, which affects the joints of your hands and feet. It is a painful condition that causes swelling that may eventually cause joint deformity and loss of bone. Smoking cigarettes is among the main causes, and it is also linked with developing the disease earlier in age.

8. Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

The congenital disability, often known as orofacial clefts, is caused when a baby’s lips or mouth isn’t developed correctly during the pregnancy. While pregnant, smokers are at a greater risk of being born with orofacial or facial clefts.

9. Fertility Issues

Mamas to take note of this: Smoking can affect the ability of you to conceive. Smoking can reduce fertility in women and may contribute to other health issues when pregnant.

10. Gum Disease

If the possibility of losing a limb isn’t sufficient (see #2), it is also possible to risk losing your teeth due to smoking cigarettes. Smoking can cause gum disease–a periodontal infection that causes damage to the bone that holds the teeth. It is a leading reason for tooth loss in adulthood.