Myth: Stress Causes Ulcers

Many people believe that stress is the primary cause of stomach ulcers. This myth has been widespread for decades, with people blaming stressful situations, work, or emotional tension as the main trigger for the painful sores in the stomach lining.

Stress alone does not cause stomach ulcers. The true cause of most ulcers is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which damages the stomach lining. Other factors that can contribute to ulcers include the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin. While stress may exacerbate symptoms of existing ulcers, it is not a direct cause. Ulcers can be treated with antibiotics to eradicate the bacterial infection and medications to reduce stomach acid. Stress can worsen symptoms by increasing stomach acid production, but it’s not the root cause of ulcers. Managing stress is important for overall health, but addressing H. pylori infection is the primary treatment for most ulcers.