Lifestyle & erections
Hubbly Bubbly (Shisha) and Erectile Dysfunction
Can hubbly bubbly cause erectile dysfunction? Learn how shisha smoke, nicotine and carbon monoxide affect blood flow and erections – and how to cut back.
In short: Hubbly bubbly and erectile dysfunction are linked because shisha smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide and other toxins that damage blood vessels. Regular sessions can make erections weaker over time. The water does not filter out the harm.
Why hubbly is so popular
Hubbly bubbly – also called shisha, hookah or a water pipe – is a big part of social life for many South African men. Sessions are long, relaxed and shared with friends, and the sweet flavours make it feel milder than cigarettes. But the smoke is not as harmless as it tastes.
What’s in shisha smoke?
Flavoured shisha tobacco is heated with charcoal. The smoke contains:
- Nicotine, which narrows blood vessels
- Carbon monoxide from the charcoal, which reduces the oxygen your blood carries
- Tar, heavy metals and fine particles that irritate and damage blood vessel walls
A single hour-long session can involve inhaling far more smoke than one cigarette, because each puff is large and the session lasts so long.
How hubbly affects erections
Erections depend on healthy blood vessels that relax and fill quickly. Shisha smoke can:
- Reduce blood flow by narrowing arteries
- Damage the lining of blood vessels (the endothelium), which produces nitric oxide for erections
- Raise blood pressure and heart rate
- Lower oxygen delivery through carbon monoxide
Studies of water-pipe smokers have found links with erectile problems, similar to cigarette smoking. See smoking and erectile dysfunction.
“The water filters it” – myth or fact?
Myth. The water cools the smoke but removes very little nicotine and almost none of the carbon monoxide. Cooler smoke can actually be inhaled more deeply.
What about “herbal” or nicotine-free shisha?
Nicotine-free mixes still produce carbon monoxide and particles from the charcoal and the burning mix. They are not a safe option for blood vessels.
Other health effects
- Nicotine dependence
- Higher risk of heart and lung disease
- Shared mouthpieces can spread infections
- Poorer fitness and stamina
Will erections improve if I stop?
Often, yes. When smoke exposure stops, blood vessel function can start to recover, especially in younger men. Combining quitting with regular exercise and better sleep gives you a strong chance. See our guide on how to get harder erections naturally.
Practical ways to cut back
- Make hubbly an occasional treat, not a daily habit.
- Shorten sessions and take fewer puffs.
- Suggest other social plans – a walk, sport or a meal.
- Don’t combine hubbly with heavy drinking, which adds to erection problems.
- If you also use pouches or vapes, read nicotine pouches and erectile dysfunction.
When to get help
If erections are weaker than they used to be, or you have high blood pressure, diabetes or chest symptoms, get checked. Our naturopath in Sandton offers discreet consultations focused on natural support for erection health.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Do you struggle to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex more than half the time?
- Have you noticed fewer or weaker morning erections?
- Do you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or a heart condition?
- Do you smoke, vape, drink heavily or feel under constant stress?
- Is it affecting your confidence, relationship or desire for intimacy?
A yes to question three, or erection problems with chest pain or breathlessness, means you should also see an appropriately registered medical professional. For lifestyle-related concerns, a naturopath can help with natural support alongside medical care.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our mens clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Does hubbly bubbly cause erectile dysfunction?
Shisha smoke contains nicotine, carbon monoxide and toxins that damage blood vessels, and regular use has been linked with erectile problems.
Is hubbly safer than cigarettes?
No. A long shisha session can involve inhaling more smoke than a cigarette, and the water does not filter out the main harms.
Is nicotine-free shisha safe for erections?
Nicotine-free mixes still produce carbon monoxide and particles from the charcoal, which can harm blood vessels.
How long after quitting shisha will erections improve?
Many men notice improvements within weeks to months, especially when quitting is combined with exercise and better sleep.
Can occasional hubbly affect my erection on the night?
Yes. Carbon monoxide and nicotine can temporarily reduce blood flow, so erections may be weaker after a session.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Walk in at our Sandton practice any time, day or night, or book ahead. Outside Gauteng? Book a remote consultation.
References and further reading
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
