Effects of stress on male voiding function

Psychological stress has long been suspected to worsen voiding dysfunction in men, but the possible causal relationship is poorly understood. Investigators have used many study methods, including observational studies and several prospective trials, intended to elicit psychological stress and then measure symptoms. Prostate growth is noted to decrease in animals that have undergone surgical sympathectomy, suggesting a role for the sympathetic nervous system in the growth of the prostate and not just in the contraction of its smooth muscle component. Prostate-specific antigen is noted to increase in men with poor social support and recent stress. Voiding parameters and prostate volume are also affected in patients with spinal cord injury. A growing body of literature relates stress to voiding dysfunction. Interest in this will likely increase as the knowledge base and understanding of the physiology improve.