Male and Female - Sexual Performance Anxiety
Sexual performance anxiety is a type of performance anxiety that involves a fear or worry related to sexual activity. This can happen during sex, or even before sex. The term sexual performance anxiety is sometimes shortened to just performance anxiety.
Performance anxiety affects men of all ages and backgrounds. Not only can it affect your mental state during sex, but it can also contribute to common sexual issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE).
The good news is that both sexual performance anxiety and the issues it can cause are almost always treatable, typically with medication, therapy, healthy habits or a combination of different approaches.
What is Sexual Performance Anxiety?
Sexual performance anxiety is a feeling of nervousness and sexual anxiety before and during sex.
When you experience these feelings, your body might release increased amounts of powerful stress hormones such as adrenaline, making it more difficult for you to relax and enjoy sexual activity.
For many men, this can lead to erectile dysfunction, making sexual activity more difficult and less satisfying.
Sometimes, performance anxiety ed worsens over time, as one bad experience creates more sexual anxiety and stress about sexual activity. It’s very common, affecting men of all ages and backgrounds, and has many different causes.
Sexual Performance Anxiety Symptoms
Symptoms of sexual performance anxiety include:
- Negative thoughts before or during sex
- Negative thoughts or feelings associated with sex
- Worry or fear before or during sex
- Worry or fear when thinking about sex
- Inability to climax or orgasm during sex
- Premature ejaculation (men)
- Delayed ejaculation (men)
- Erectile dysfunction (men)
- Vaginal dryness (women)
- Pain during sex (women)
- Decreased interest in sex
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Unsettled stomach
Causes of Sexual Performance Anxiety
Sexual performance anxiety can occur because of a wide range of different physical problems and psychological factors, including:
Concern about sexual performance (for example, worrying that you may not fully satisfy your partner or that you may have trouble ejaculating)
Self-esteem or body image issues, such as concern over your weight, height or penis size
Stress about erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, failure to reach orgasm and other medical conditions that can affect sexual satisfaction
Relationship issues, such as a lack of emotional connection or dissatisfaction with your relationship
Other mental health or sources of stress, such as difficulties regarding work, relationships, family or other non-sexual aspects of your life
Nervousness about sexual activity, in general
When you experience these feelings, your body might release increased amounts of powerful stress hormones such as adrenaline, making it more difficult for you to relax and enjoy sexual activity.
For many men, this can lead to erectile dysfunction, making sexual activity more difficult and less satisfying. Sometimes, performance anxiety worsens over time, as one bad experience creates more anxiety and stress about sexual activity.
