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By Maria Azzurra Volpe
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Work-related psychological stress may be linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) in young working men, according to a new study that points to changes in key hormones as a possible explanation.
Researchers examined 826 full-time employed men between the ages of 22 and 40, investigating whether conditions in the workplace could be associated with sexual health. The team assessed five factors that may contribute to psychological stress on the job: working hours, decision-making control, support from supervisors, relationships with colleagues, and pressure related to promotion.
Alongside these workplace measures, the researchers evaluated erectile function and measured several hormones, including cortisol, a hormone commonly associated with stress, and testosterone.
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The findings revealed a clear association between workplace stress and erectile function. Men who reported higher levels of stress were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, and the researchers identified a dose-response relationship, meaning the likelihood of erectile problems increased as workplace stress levels rose.
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The Dangers of Work-Based Stress
Dipesh Patel, a licensed psychotherapist and founder of Dipesh Patel LCSW Counseling Services, who was not involved in the study, told Newsweek that chronic workplace stress can affect more than hormones alone, noting that it may increase physiological arousal, disrupt healthy sleep patterns, and contribute to depression or anxiety.
Among men in the highest-stress category, 54.37 percent had ED. Researchers also found that those in the high-stress group had 10 times greater odds of ED compared with men in the low-stress group.
The study suggests that the biological effects of stress may help explain the relationship.
According to the researchers, workplace stress may trigger a sequence of hormonal changes that eventually affect erectile function. In this proposed pathway, stress first leads to increased cortisol levels. Testosterone levels then decline approximately two to four weeks later. Erectile function appears to worsen four to six weeks after the testosterone changes occur.
Limited Time For Intervention
Patel said: "For younger men who are experiencing high levels of workplace stress, sex and intimacy can often feel like yet another place they have to still perform at optimal levels. There is a performance-anxiety cycle that continues to get perpetuated."
Based on that pattern, the researchers suggested there may be a six- to 10-week window during which interventions could be introduced before erectile function becomes impaired.
The analysis also highlighted differences among specific workplace factors.
Longer working hours appeared to negatively affect erectile function through increases in cortisol, suggesting that extended time on the job may contribute to the body's stress response. In contrast, support from supervisors appeared to have a protective effect. Researchers found that supportive management may help maintain testosterone levels, potentially reducing the risk of stress-related erectile problems.
The findings may also point to changes employers can make in the workplace. Patel said employers can help reduce stress by addressing unreasonable workloads, limiting unpredictable schedules and adjusting expectations around work outside normal business hours. He added that business travel can be another source of strain and said companies should be mindful of recovery time when travel is part of the job.
The authors concluded that combining psychological stress assessments with hormone testing could help identify individuals at high risk of psychogenic erectile dysfunction, a form of ED linked to psychological factors rather than physical causes alone.
Patel also said employers can improve access to mental health support, noting that while many organizations offer employee assistance programs, some providers may not have experience helping younger men dealing with ED.
Reference: Huang et al. Dose-Response Relationship Between Workplace Psychological Stress Accumulation Index and Erectile Function in Young Men.
DOI: 10.1155/ijcp/7492091
Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.
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