Workplace Stress and Erectile Dysfunction Linked in Young Men

Workplace Stress and Erectile Dysfunction Were Associated

A 2026 observational study linked greater workplace stress with poorer erectile function in young working men. The [Medical Xpress report](https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-stress-erectile-dysfunction-young-men.html) covered research published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice.

Among men in the high-stress group, erectile dysfunction prevalence reached 54.37%. That group had 10 times higher odds of erectile dysfunction than the low-stress group.

The Evidence Covers 826 Full-Time Working Men

The study included 826 full-time working men ages 22 to 40. Investigators assessed workplace stress, erectile function, serum cortisol, testosterone, and other hormones.

The researchers combined five workplace factors into a psychological stress assessment. Erectile function worsened as accumulated workplace stress increased, which the authors described as a dose-response relationship.

• Working hours
• Decision-making autonomy
• Supervisor support
• Relationships with colleagues
• Pressure related to promotion

Cortisol Rose Before Testosterone Declined

The reported hormone pattern placed cortisol changes before testosterone decline and erectile impairment. Cortisol elevation preceded lower testosterone by 2 to 4 weeks.

Testosterone changes then preceded impaired erectile function by 4 to 6 weeks. Based on this sequence, the researchers suggested a possible intervention window of 6 to 10 weeks.

Workplace Stress and Erectile Dysfunction Need More Study

The findings show an association and do not establish that workplace stress caused erectile dysfunction. The report describes measured stress, hormone levels, and erectile function rather than an experiment that assigned participants to different stress levels.

The Medical Xpress summary does not provide recruitment location, follow-up length, erectile dysfunction thresholds, absolute hormone values, group sizes, statistical adjustments, or study conflicts of interest. The findings apply directly only to the studied population of full-time working men ages 22 to 40.

Clinical Context Includes Stress and Hormone Testing

The study connects workplace conditions with a sequence involving cortisol, testosterone, and erectile function. Longer working hours were linked to higher cortisol, while supervisor support was associated with maintained testosterone levels.

The authors wrote that combining psychological stress assessment with hormone testing may help identify people at high risk for psychogenic erectile dysfunction. If symptoms persist, talk to a clinician about workplace stress and erectile dysfunction and whether hormone testing is appropriate.