Smoking can cause urologic diseases: Experts

London: Cigarette smoking can lead to a number of urological diseases and only a few people are aware of this, experts have warned.

According to the Association of Austrian Urologists, smoking can also cause reduced fertility, impotence, and bladder carcinoma.

A recent survey carried out by the association found that few people are aware of the problem, Xinhua news agency reported.

In the survey, only 13 per cent of respondents said they know smoking has an impact on the urinary bladder.

"Smoking is the most important preventable risk factor for many diseases," said Shahrokh F Shariat from the Urology Clinic at the Medical University of Vienna.

Experts from the association said even if people stop smoking after a positive cancer diagnosis, it can lead to an improvement.