How Stress Saps Your Health

Stress, Sex and Fertility Issues

There are many possible reasons for a reduced sex drive, including fatigue, menopause, arthritis and cancer. Stress also can be the culprit behind a loss in libido. In fact, stress may affect every aspect of reproduction, from sex to fertility and pregnancy. For women, stress can suppress sexual desire and reduce the ability to conceive. In men, chronic stress can lead to reduced testosterone levels, reduced sperm production and erectile dysfunction. The notion that pregnant women should “take it easy” may also hold some truth — high levels of maternal stress during pregnancy have been linked with lower birth weight, an increased rate of premature birth and miscarriage.

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Review Date: 
May 15, 2014

Citation: 
Last Updated:
July 1, 2014