Medical Oddities: Long workweeks meet erectile function

From work stress to lullabies, bay leaves, and one-legged cycling, medicine gets weird.

By
Teraya Smith
October 1, 2026
5 min

MDSpire News

Overview

A study from Zhejiang University School of Medicine found a significant association between workplace stress and erectile function in 826 men aged 22 to 40. As stress levels increased, erectile function scores decreased, and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction rose dramatically.

Background

Understanding the impact of work-related stress on erectile function is crucial. The findings indicate a relationship between workplace stressors and sexual health.

Data Highlights

Stress Level	Mean IIEF-5 Score	ED Prevalence
Lowest Stress	22.86	8.21%
Highest Stress	15.28	54.37%

Key Findings

Mean IIEF-5 scores decreased from 22.86 in the lowest-stress group to 15.28 in the highest-stress group.
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increased from 8.21% to 54.37% as stress levels rose.
Moderate to severe erectile dysfunction reached 18.45% in the highest-stress group.
Each additional 10 working hours per week was associated with a 1.82-point lower erectile-function score.
Supervisor support showed the strongest protective association against erectile dysfunction.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider workplace stress as a potential factor in erectile dysfunction among younger men. Addressing stressors in the work environment may be beneficial for improving sexual health outcomes.

Conclusion

The study underscores the need for further investigation into the relationship between workplace stress and erectile function, as well as the potential benefits of stress management strategies.