When it comes to the battle of the sexes, men and women experience similar stress levels, but react differently to stress both physically and mentally.  The result is that men are more likely to suffer adverse effects. It may be because men are less likely to admit when they’re experiencing stress and seek help. 

Since stress in men can have severe repercussions if not managed, here is a more in-depth look at the five significant effects of stress on men.

Stress and Your Sex Life 

While some may argue that having children is a source of stress, having too much stress while trying to conceive turns the situation into a “Chicken Or The Egg” case.

Infertility

Chronic stress can affect men’s health as it upsets sperm production and maturation and can lead to infertility. Stressed men have a higher possibility of low sperm count, increased proportions of sperms with morphological problems, and reduced sperm motility.

Erectile Dysfunction

Chronic stress may likewise affect testosterone production, culminating in low libido. In worse situations, it can lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Most cases of ED are related to psychological aspects such as anxiety, stress, and depression.

Reproductive Health

The nervous system significantly influences the reproductive system in men. When a man is going through stress, their body releases large quantities of the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands.

This hormone is vital in the regulation and normal functioning of various body systems, including the circulatory, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. When the body releases cortisol in excess amounts, the male reproductive system’s normal biochemical processes are affected.

When one is nervous, their immunity is compromised, which raises the risk of infections in their reproductive organs. These infections can, in turn, hamper their reproductive functions.

Managing stress prior to conceiving means smoother sailing through a pregnancy so you can be ready for whatever surprises a little one might bring along.

Incontinence

Incontinence is the source of many stresses, but the unintentional loss of urine due to physical activities such as coughing, laughing, sneezing or running is the actual definition of “Stress Incontinence.” Although this unplanned leaking is usually annoying and embarrassing, there are solutions to the problem.  An external or condom catheter can be used to catch any unintended urine before the situation gets out of hand. 

Stress & Cardiovascular Diseases

Perhaps you are already aware that stress leads to higher blood pressure.  But too much stress can lead to other problems for your heart as well.  In fact, studies have identified a relationship between stress and the advent of cardiovascular diseases. The cases of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and abnormal heart rhythm are higher in stressed men.

Stress and depression are among the primary risk factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases. Plus, stress also has a hereditary aspect, meaning some individuals are more vulnerable to the condition owing to their family history. This state puts them at a higher risk of developing heart disease.

Increased Belly Fat

Regardless of whether you think the “Dad Bod” is hot or not, there is good indication that stress is the culprit to this trending body shape.  Stress in men results in poor diet choices and increased disposition of fat in the belly. The action is supported by heightened levels of cortisol when one is stressed. 

Although some aim for that popular “Dad Bod” look, some of the effects of belly fat are a lot less desirable, and some detrimental.  Chronic stress may also lead to an increase in the levels of insulin in the body. Elevated stress also suppresses the production of various hormones. This, combined with increased belly fat, enhances the risk of developing type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Stress also inhibits the uptake of proteins by muscle cells leading to muscle loss.

Sleep Irregularity

Sleep has long been a contributing factor of a bad night’s sleep.  This is because feeling stressed out increases your physiological and psychological arousal in ways that are incompatible with the state your body and mind need to enter relaxed, restorative sleep. Whether it’s concerns at work, with finances or in a relationship, when your mind is stressed, it will have a hard time relaxing. 

Since sleep is just as important to your health as eating healthy and exercise. We recommend reducing stress help with a better night sleep. 

At Complete Care Medical, we also recommend two different all-natural sleep aid solutions:

Sleep Perfect Formula ($39.95)

Sleep Perfect Formula provides an innovative blend of nutrients that promotes soothing and restful sleep. The non-habit-forming ingredients were specifically chosen to promote healthy circadian rhythms and help relax tense muscles. While most prescription medications can cause morning sleepiness, Sleep Perfect Formula is designed to provide individuals with restful slumber and a rejuvenated body upon awakening.

Sleep Support ($29.75)

Sleep Support is a synergistic formulation of natural ingredients to help support sleep without adverse side effects. Contains l-theanine, melatonin, passionflower, valerian extract, magnesium and B-6.

A minor stressor in life sometimes makes the good times much more enjoyable.  But too much stress can cause more problems for a man’s health than are worth it.  Try reducing stress naturally through meditation, spending time with loved ones, reducing caffeine, exercising, eating well, supplements, and listening to your body when it's asking for help. Stress is a normal part of life, but learning to control and manage your stress will make room for much better times and a healthier you.