Can Stress Cause a Stomach Ulcer?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 21st, 2026.
Stress alone doesn't directly cause stomach ulcers, but it significantly increases your risk and worsens symptoms. The primary culprits behind peptic ulcers are Helicobacter pylori bacterial infections (responsible for about 60% of cases) and long-term use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen. However, chronic stress weakens your immune system and increases stomach acid production, making you more susceptible to H. pylori infections. Stress also delays healing of existing ulcers by reducing blood flow to the stomach lining. Studies show that people experiencing major life stressors are 2-3 times more likely to develop ulcers compared to those with lower stress levels.
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