Anxiety and sex are closely related, as this negative sensation can lead to poor sexual quality of life due to difficulties during the moment, such as erectile dysfunction. Understand.
Although it is a natural response to stressful situations and essential for human survival, anxiety can interfere with erectile function, decrease libido, and even hinder performance.
When anxiety is excessive, the constant worry about sex leads to a vicious cycle that requires appropriate treatment for the man to regain a healthy and satisfying sex life.
What Can Anxiety Cause in Men?
The relationship between anxiety and sex is complex. It involves psychological, emotional, and physiological aspects that negatively impact desire, relationships, and performance during the moment.
Anxiety itself also affects the overall health and well-being of those who live with it, especially in the case of chronic anxiety.
It can lead to heart and gastrointestinal problems, a weakened immune system, stress and depression, sleep disturbances, and also interfere with professional and social life, as well as favor alcohol and drug abuse.
Understanding Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is a specific type of anxiety, not only related to anxiety and sex.
It can arise in any context where a person feels pressured to perform well in a task, such as at work, public speaking, or a sporting event.
Causes include:
- history of failure;
- unrealistic expectations about the situation;
- feeling of pressure and excessive worry;
- lack of self-confidence with physical, psychological, and cognitive symptoms.
Why Does Anxiety Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Anxiety can lead to erectile dysfunction, as an anxious mind triggers a “flight” mechanism, which increases adrenaline levels and consequently constricts blood vessels.
For an erection to occur, it is essential that the penis is well vascularized, and since this does not happen, it is more difficult or impossible to achieve or maintain an erection.
The more tense a man becomes about the situation, the more anxiety he feels, impairing the physical response to sexual stimulation.
Symptoms of Sexual Anxiety
Feeling some level of anxiety before having sex with someone for the first time, after a long period of abstinence, or when fulfilling a fantasy is very common and healthy. The problem is when sexual performance anxiety manifests itself in the following ways:
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Premature ejaculation;
- Decreased libido;
- Difficulty concentrating during the relationship;
- Fear of failing or not satisfying the partner;
- Muscle tension;
- Tachycardia;
- Excessive sweating.
Some men may avoid sexual relationships to avoid the risk of presenting these symptoms during the moment. However, avoidance is also a warning sign for sexual performance anxiety.
Problems Derived from Untreated Anxiety
If untreated, anxiety can affect sexual performance, leading to a loss of sexual quality of life. In more severe cases, a man may experience:
Erectile Dysfunction
Anxiety can make it difficult to achieve or maintain a rigid erection for penetration and long enough to reach climax most of the time.
Worrying about the erection creates a cycle of anxiety and failure, and the fear of not getting an erection generates even more anxiety.
Decreased Libido
Anxious men may experience a decrease in libido. This happens because, when thinking about sex, they feel stressed and worried, generating more anxiety, which reduces the motivation for the relationship.
Ejaculation Problems
Anxiety can lead to a loss of control over ejaculation. It is common for male sexual anxiety to result in rapid ejaculations or even anorgasmia (inability to ejaculate), increasing the negative association of men with sex.
Frustration and Low Self-Esteem
Anxiety can affect self-esteem and confidence. Anxious men may feel insecure about their abilities and performance and have a skewed view of themselves as sexual partners. This can also create tension between the couple.
How to Deal with Sexual Performance Anxiety?
It is possible to balance anxiety and sex to have a good quality of life during the moment. Check out the strategies that can be adopted for this:
1. Seek Medical Help
Health professionals such as psychologists, sexologists, psychiatrists, and urologists can help normalize anxiety and treat its effects on your sex life. Therapies and medications may be necessary, along with monitoring.
2. Talk to Your Partner About Your Fears
Establishing a dialogue with your partner or someone you trust can give you the encouragement you need to face the problem, as well as support for complicated situations.
3. Practice Relaxation Exercises
Incorporating some relaxation techniques throughout the day will make the man less anxious in general. It is also possible to practice them before a meeting, for example. Some examples are meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Anxiety can be controlled, among other strategies, with a healthy lifestyle that combines a balanced diet, physical exercise, stress management, and cultivating good relationships.
5. View Sex as an Exercise in Exploration
Remember that sex should be enjoyable for those involved. Look for new ways to practice it that make you less anxious.
It is necessary to face situations that involve anxiety and sex because if you do not, your sex life will be impaired.
The consequences of anxiety during the moment can be treated, and with appropriate help, you can regain quality of life in this area. Get tips to take this step directly on your WhatsApp, and count on the EMC clinic to take care of your sexual health.
Learn more:
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- What Is Ejaculation? Answers to Your Main Questions
- Consequences of Male Sexual Abstinence and the Problems It Can Cause
- 10 Tips for Penis Care to Maintain Health and Prevent Infections and Diseases
- See What Causes Erectile Dysfunction and Available Treatments
- Prostate Surgery: What to Expect, Risks, and Recovery
- Gut Health and Sexual Function: The Connection
