Stress can make it harder to get or keep an erection by changing both the physical and mental elements of sexual function. Your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol when you're worried. These hormones can narrow your blood vessels and mess up the usual bodily processes that help you get and keep an erection. Stress can also make you feel anxious, tense, and distracted, which can make it hard to concentrate on sexual desire and performance.
Long-term worry, in particular, can affect sexual performance because it can throw off hormone balance, lower libido, and make relationships more difficult. Also, activities that are linked to stress, like smoking, drinking too much, or not getting enough sleep, can make ED worse.
Dealing with worry and finding good ways to deal with it are important parts of controlling ED. Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and gradual muscle relaxation are all examples of relaxation methods that can help you deal with stress. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, enough sleep, and getting help from friends, family, or a doctor can also help lower stress and improve general health. If stress-related ED doesn't go away or becomes a big problem, talking to a doctor or nurse can help you get more advice and support that fits your needs.