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Stress and ED: How Can Stress Hurt your Erections and What Can you Do?

12 min read
Stress and ED: How Can Stress Hurt your Erections and What Can you Do?

Although 'stress' is not a strictly medical diagnosis, doctors recognize that it can cause serious physical and mental health issues. While some of these issues are well documented - such as heart disease and high blood pressure - the effects on a person's sex life as less well-documented.

In this guide, we'll take a detailed look at how stress can lead to erectile dysfunction in a number of different ways. We'll provide helpful, science-backed information about reducing stress in your life, as well as how to deal with stress-related ED, and some tips on how to reduce stress levels before sex.

How can stress cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?

Stress can significantly contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) in both direct and indirect ways.

Stress affects the body's hormonal balance and nervous system

Both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy erectile function. High levels of stress can also increase the production of hormones that interfere with sexual arousal and response, potentially leading to ED. As well as causing direct physiological issues, chronic stress can cause mental health issues - reducing sexual desire and confidence - and potentially causing psychological erectile dysfunction.


While this is a quick overview of the stress-related issues that can contribute to ED, it can be useful to know about stress and erectile dysfunction in more depth to help you identify exactly how the two things are connected for you.

Main types of stress-induced ED

To get an overview of stress-related ED, it's useful to first understand the different types of stresses a person might experience in their life, then look at how each can result in ED.

TYPE EXPLANATION
Psychological stress  This relates to mental health issues directly linked to stress - such as anxiety disorders and depression - but can also involve mental health conditions that result from stress, which then contribute towards ED - such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and more
Personal and professional stress 

These are types of stress that people may encounter in their daily lives to different degrees.

Stress can come from virtually any area of life, including life activities, family and relationships, or work-related pressures

Performance anxiety 

This is stress and anxiety that relates to sex itself - and possible worries about not being able to perform well.

Worries may be related to sexual performance, penis size, body image, premature ejaculation, or a range of other insecurities

Health-related stress

Worrying about a person's health can lead to issues with sexual performance and ED.

Even if the health issue doesn't cause ED directly, the stress of worrying about health problems can add anxiety factors that lead to ED symptoms

Chronic stress 

When stress isn't addressed, it can become a long-standing part of a person's life, adding a range of health issues that combine to create physical health issues.

These issues might be small individually, but compound each other, potentially leading to ED

What are the main causes of stress-induced ED?

Now we've covered the main types of stress and anxiety that people face and how they can affect ED, it's worth digging a little deeper into those categories. By doing so, you can perhaps identify specific situations or issues that contribute to your stress - as well as some therapist-recommended ways of beginning to approach each issue.

1. Sexual performance anxiety

Sexual performance anxiety involves worrying excessively about satisfying your partner, achieving an erection, or similar concerns during sexual activity. Thought to affect between 9-25% of men in the U.S. this kind of stress can physically prevent the relaxation necessary for arousal.

If you frequently feel nervous about performing well sexually or fear sexual encounters, you might be experiencing this form of stress/anxiety.

Addressing this begins with open communication with your partner and possibly seeking therapy to develop healthier attitudes toward sex.

2. Facing big changes in your life

According to the Social Readjustment Rating Scale - a foundational piece of research in the field of stress - both positive and negative life changes can impact stress levels. Negative life events - such as the loss of a loved one or illness - are proven to increase stress significantly, but so too do apparently positive events, such as promotions, retirement, and vacations.

Aside from acknowledging big life changes, signs that these changes might be affecting you include persistent anxiety, mood swings, or sleep disturbances around life events. Managing this stress often requires building a strong support network and trying to build routines that keep some familiarity in your daily life, even when other parts of your routine are changing.

3. Body image issues

Body image issues can lead to stress by causing you to feel inadequate or self-conscious about your physical appearance - something that is more common in people who are overweight. Studies have shown that over a 24-year period, instances of body image and weight-related issues among U.S. men have grown from 15% to 43% - potentially affecting tens of millions of men.

Body image issues might mean you avoid intimacy or feel anxious about being seen naked. Overcoming these issues often involves working on self-acceptance and seeking professional counseling to address deeper self-esteem issues.

4. Unresolved relationship issues

Tension, arguments, and unresolved conflicts in a relationship can significantly affect stress levels, decreasing sexual desire and performance. Referring again to the Social Readjustment Rating Scale - an increase in a number of arguments with a spouse is thought to add more stress to a person's life than facing foreclosure on a home.

If disagreements and dissatisfaction are frequent in your relationship, they might be contributing to ED. Addressing these issues typically involves couples therapy, where communication techniques can be improved and any underlying resentments addressed.

5. Responsibilities that feel overwhelming

Foundational research into stress shows that when responsibilities - whether at home, work, or socially - become overwhelming, they can drain your energy and affect your mental health, potentially leading to ED.

Recognizing this may come from feelings of constant fatigue or dread towards daily tasks.

Procrastination is another symptom of overwhelm too - finding other things to do to avoid taking on life's responsibilities. Tackling this might mean building manageable habits, prioritizing tasks, saying no, or possibly delegating/outsourcing responsibilities to manage stress better.

6. Lack or excess of work

Whether you are experiencing too little or too much work, stress can come as a result. A lack of work will often result in financial problems - next on our list - but too much work can result in 'burnout', a stress condition the American Psychological Association recognizes as being at an all-time high. This intense stress often extends well beyond the workplace, and it's highly likely it can damage your sex life.

Whether you are experiencing too little or too much work, stress can come as a result

If you find yourself overly stressed by too much work or stressed by financial strain from too little work, this could be a contributing factor to ED. Finding additional work or a new role can help if you're lacking work - and setting strict boundaries about work hours if you feel you're overworking.

7. Financial problems

Recent studies show clear links between financial worries and psychological distress. Put simply, financial insecurity can create significant stress, manifesting as anxiety, sleeplessness, or depression, all of which can contribute to ED.

Recognizing this issue might come from constant worry about finances.

Addressing financial stress can involve creating a budget, reducing unnecessary expenses, or consulting with a financial advisor.

8. Drug abuse

While drug abuse is often pursued to help ease stress, neuroscience proves that the effect drugs have on the brain actually further increases stress - making the stress relating to drug misuse especially problematic when it comes to healthy erectile function.

If substance use is impacting your responsibilities or relationships, it might be time to seek professional or social help.

Recovery programs and support groups can be instrumental in overcoming addiction - and medical professionals may be able to help with medications and therapies to help you overcome both the addiction you're facing and the underlying issues that led to drug misuse.

9. Parenting

If you're stressed by parenting, especially if feeling unprepared or overwhelmed, you're not alone. Recent Pew Research surveys show that 29% of parents consider parenting to be stressful - and 41% consider it tiring. The added pressure of parenting can tip life into a stressful state - which can lead to sexual wellbeing issues.

Chart of How American Parents Perceive Parenting To Be

If you're constantly worried or fatigued by parenting demands, this may be having an impact on your ability to get an erection. Effective coping might include seeking support from other parents, family, or professionals and ensuring you allocate time for self-care.

10. Lack of work-life balance

Without a healthy work-life balance, stress can build and spill over into your personal life, affecting relationships and health. According to Mental Health America, 25% of Americans describe themselves as "super stressed" as a result of a poor work/life balance - adding to the stress that can cause erectile dysfunction.

Signs include feeling burnt out or resentful towards work. Improving work-life balance might involve negotiating work terms, setting clear work boundaries, or making time for relaxation and hobbies outside of work hours.

What can you do if you’re experiencing stress and ED?

While identifying the type of stress you have in your life is an important factor, it's also empowering to know you have some ideas that will help you address major stress factors in your life.

While the stress management techniques we explore here are intended to help anyone dealing with stress and erectile dysfunction, you may decide to look into some - or all - in more detail. When it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety, everyone is different - so it's a good idea to pick the methods that feel positive to you and explore them in more detail so you get a personalized approach that fits around your unique life.

1. Let your partner know about the issue

Communicating openly with your partner about experiencing erectile dysfunction can help alleviate stress and build mutual understanding. An honest discussion can foster empathy and support, making it easier for both partners to navigate this challenge together. Encourage an environment where both feelings and fears can be shared without judgment.

2. Seek support from family and friends

Lean on your family and friends for emotional support. They can provide comfort, advice, and a listening ear, which can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and stress. Sharing your challenges with people who care about you can also lighten your emotional load and make stress more manageable.

3. Identify the stress triggers in your life

Take time to reflect on what causes stress in your life. This could be work-related deadlines, financial worries, or personal relationships. Professional therapists say that identifying these triggers allows you to tackle them directly or find ways to mitigate their impact. You may even consider keeping a stress journal to help identify patterns and common triggers.

4. Maintain a healthy sense of self-esteem

There are many connections between low self-esteem and stress, so it makes sense that building and maintaining healthy self-esteem can have a positive effect on stress levels. Engage in activities that boost your confidence and focus on your strengths. This can enhance your overall well-being and help buffer the effects of stress on your sexual health.

5. Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs

Not only do alcohol and recreational drugs contribute to stress levels - but they can also directly affect erectile dysfunction - making them a problem whether you are feeling general stress or feeling anxious about sexual performance.

Limiting your intake or abstaining entirely can help improve your body’s natural responses and overall health. Focus on healthy, stress-reducing activities such as exercise or hobbies instead.

6. Consider meditation and other stress management techniques

Incorporate proven stress-reducing practices such as mindfulness meditation progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or tai chi into your routine. These techniques not only help in reducing stress but also improve mental clarity and emotional resilience. Regular practice can lead to significant improvements in your ability to handle stress and maintain sexual health.

7. Engage in physical exercise

Regular exercise is a powerful stress reliever - significantly reducing the body's production of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol Whether it’s a brisk walk, a cycle ride, or a gym session, physical activity releases endorphins which can improve mood and decrease anxiety. Structuring your week to include dedicated exercise times can improve both physical and erectile health.

8. Try sexual or normal therapy

If stress and erectile dysfunction are significantly impacting your life, consider seeking professional help. A sex therapy counselor specializing in sexual health can offer guidance and strategies specifically tailored to managing ED, while a general therapist can help in addressing the broader aspects of stress Schedule downtime

Make it a priority to schedule regular periods of relaxation and leisure activities that you enjoy.

This not only helps in reducing the buildup of stress but also enhances your quality of life. Downtime is crucial for mental recovery and maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

Tips to relax before sex

If sex itself is something that inspires feelings of stress or fear, it can be useful to have some techniques to use at the moment to help you get a handle on your feelings.

The following 6 sexual anxiety therapy techniques are designed to be used just before a sexual encounter or in situations that could lead to sex.

TIPS TECHNIQUES
Practice rhythmic breathing Before engaging in sexual activity, try rhythmic breathing to calm your nerves. Inhale slowly for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds. This proven method can help reduce anxiety and enhance your focus.
Use music to loosen yourself Play calming or sensual music to set a relaxed atmosphere. Research confirms that music can soothe the mind, ease tension, and create a more intimate setting, helping you feel more connected and relaxed.
Avoid alcohol or any substance before sex Steer clear of alcohol and other substances before sex. As well as possibly increasing anxiety, these can constrict your blood vessels (including those in your penis) and impair blood flow - reducing your ability to maintain an erection. Opt for water or soft drinks to stay hydrated and clear-headed.
Engage in mental imagery relaxation

Practice visualizing a peaceful scene or a successful sexual encounter before engaging in intimate activity. This technique, known as mental imagery relaxation or guided imagery, can decrease stress and increase confidence in your sexual performance.

Focus on foreplay

Spend more time on foreplay to build intimacy and reduce performance pressure. Different foreplay techniques and intimate massage can help both partners feel more relaxed and connected, making the sexual experience more fulfilling and less stressful.

Communicate openly with your partner

Discuss your feelings and preferences with your partner. Open communication can alleviate stress and build trust, making the sexual experience more enjoyable and less anxiety-inducing.

When to see a doctor about stress and erectile dysfunction

If you're experiencing persistent stress and erectile dysfunction, it may be time to consult a health professional. While you should always consider seeking medical or psychological help as a possibility, there are some instances where medical help should be sought as a priority. They include:

WHEN NOTE
Persistent Erectile Dysfunction If you face continuous difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
Depression or Anxiety If you have symptoms that interfere significantly with your daily life or a healthy sex life.
Substance Abuse If you're struggling with addiction, particularly if it's affecting your sexual health.
Severe Relationship Conflicts If you have ongoing issues with your partner that contribute to stress and affect your mental health.


A mental health professional can provide support for emotional and psychological factors, while a doctor might suggest erectile dysfunction treatment options. Addressing these problems with a professional can be an important step towards the effective management of both stress and ED.

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Summary: Stress and ED

As you can see, stress can have a huge impact on your life - and many of those issues can have a knock-on effect that causes erectile dysfunction.

If you feel like stress is causing ED, it's a good idea to first try to understand the different types of stress and how they might be present in your life.

Consider all elements of life - both positive and negative - as any changes to routines can result in stress and reduced mental well-being.

If you decide that stress could be a factor in your ED, there are lots of things you can do that might help. Seeking support for the stress from family and friends, thinking about the stress triggers, working on your self-esteem, reducing alcohol or drug consumption, looking at relaxation techniques, adding some exercise to your day, or even just prioritizing downtime can all have significant positive effects.

Of course, anxiety is a form of stress too - and if you're worried about ED, this can make sexual encounters especially stress-inducing. Exploring relaxation techniques will help you in these seemingly high-pressure moments.

If you decide that stress could be a factor in your ED, there are lots of things you can do that might help.

Finally, if you feel like stress or stress-related ED is becoming too much of a problem, don't be afraid to seek medical or psychological help. You're not alone if you're suffering from stress or ED - and medical or psychological approaches can completely change the way you feel.

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