Quit Smoking and Vaping

Why Quitting Matters

Smoking and vaping both expose your body to harmful chemicals that can damage nearly every organ, increase inflammation, and raise the risk of serious diseases. These risks include heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and cancers of the bladder, kidney, and prostate.

Even vaping products labeled as “nicotine-free” can contain nicotine and toxic substances that irritate the bladder and urinary tract. Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or vape, quitting now can dramatically improve your health and reduce your risk of future disease.

Within weeks of quitting, circulation and breathing improve. Within a year, your risk of heart disease is cut in half. Over time, your body continues to heal, lowering your risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses.

Health Benefits of Quitting

• Lowers risk of bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer
• Improves urinary and sexual health
• Reduces risk of erectile dysfunction
• Enhances energy, breathing, and wound healing after surgery
• Improves sense of taste and smell
• Protects family, coworkers, and friends from secondhand and secondhand aerosol exposure

Understanding Vaping Risks

Many people turn to vaping thinking it’s a safer option, but most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, heavy metals, and chemicals that can harm the lungs and urinary tract.

Vaping can:

• Cause nicotine addiction similar to cigarettes
• Deliver toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein
• Damage bladder tissue and increase oxidative stress
• Delay healing after surgery

If you vape to quit smoking, talk to your provider about safer, evidence-based alternatives.

Steps to Help You Quit

1. Set a Quit Date – Pick a date and plan how to handle triggers and cravings.
2. Identify Triggers – Recognize times or emotions that make you reach for a cigarette or vape.
3. Get Support – Counseling, group programs, and quitlines double your chances of success.
4. Use Medications – Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges) or prescription medications like varenicline (Chantix®) or bupropion (Zyban®) can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
5. Stay Accountable – Keep track of progress and reward yourself for milestones.
6. Be Patient – Many people need several attempts before quitting for good. Each effort brings you closer to success.

Support Resources

Virginia Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Smokefree.gov: Tools, text programs, and mobile apps for quitting smoking and vaping
CDC Tips From Former Smokers: www.cdc.gov/tips
Truth Initiative (Vaping Support): www.thetruth.com/quit

Our Commitment

At The Urology Group, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve better health and recovery. If you smoke or vape, talk with your provider or Care Management team (703) 936-2922 about your goals. Together, we can build a personalized plan to help you quit and improve your long-term well-being.

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). How to Quit Smoking and Vaping. Reviewed February 2025. cdc.gov/tobacco/about/how-to-quit.html

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