Question

What are the effects of stress on the reproductive system?

Answer 1

During stress, levels of stress hormone cortisol increases which in turn inhibits gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and due to which sperm count decreases due to decrease in testosterone levels in males, stress leads to erectile dysfunction or impotence in males and leads to decrease in sexual desire i.e libido. In females stress disturbs the menstrual cycle, ovulation gets suppressed, sexual activity decreases, causes disease like Polycystic ovarian syndrome in the female reproductive system.