Intense Work Stress Linked to Higher Risk of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
A new study finds that men aged 22-40 who experience high workplace stress are up to ten times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction.
A recent investigation published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice examined how job-related stress affects sexual health in men aged 22 to 40. The study assessed five workplace stress dimensions—weekly hours, decision-making freedom, manager support, peer relationships, and promotion pressure—among 826 full-time employees. Results indicated a clear rise in erectile dysfunction rates as stress scores increased, with the high-stress cohort experiencing a prevalence just over 54% and being ten times more likely to report issues than low-stress participants.
Hormonal analysis showed that elevated cortisol levels appeared first, followed by a decline in testosterone and subsequent erectile difficulties within six weeks. The most influential stressors were long workweeks, averaging 65 hours, and pressure to advance professionally. Authors suggest integrating stress assessments and hormone testing to identify men at risk for psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
