Sexual performance is not all about physical intimacy only, it’s about bonding between mind and body. People feel it is a fundamental part of life and relationships. But what exactly happens when psychological barriers are disrupted? Anxiety can impact your ability to enjoy sexual life.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or nervousness and it’s a natural response to any danger or stress. Almost everyone feels anxiety at some point but when it becomes overwhelming, it can impact your daily life and sexual performance.
Types of Anxiety:
There are many types of anxiety but we will explain types related to sexual performance:
- Relationship Anxiety: If you are worried about your partner or relationship itself, it can affect your sexual life.
- Social Anxiety: Fear of judgement is a very insecure and panic feeling for many people. So, if you have any fear of judgement from your partner, then this factor is also responsible for disturbed sexual performance.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Anxiety can take away many beautiful moments but Chronic anxiety can be worse in many aspects of life.
- Performance Anxiety: This is a feeling when you fear that you can’t perform well during sex.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This is related to any bad memories, past trauma or any stress related to your sexual life.
The Physiology of Sexual Response
If you can understand the biology and physiology of sexual performance, you can figure out how anxiety interferes with it.
(i) The Sexual Response Cycle:
There are 4 phases in this cycle:
- Desire (libido): Its desire to have some sexual relationship with your partner.
- Arousal: If you have signs like erection, lubrication or increased heart rate, its arousal.
- Orgasm: It’s the peak point after arousal when you feel climax or release of sexual tension.
- Resolution: It’s a normal stage when you return to a relaxed position.
(ii) How your nervous system affect sexual functions:
There are 2 autonomic nervous systems that regulate sexual arousal:
(i) Parasympathetic nervous system helps in relaxation and arousal.
(ii) The sympathetic nervous system gets activated during danger or stress.
The sympathetic system dominates during anxiety, which makes it difficult to get arousal.
Lifestyle Approaches
- Exercise: Regular exercises help to reduce cortisol and boost endorphins. So, anxiety can be treated naturally with exercise.
- Diet: If your diet lacks nutrition then this deficiency can give anxiety or ED. Try to add Omega-3s, zinc, magnesium in your diet for brain and hormonal health.
- Sleep: Poor sleep results in sexual dysfunction and anxiety. So, take proper rest and 7-8 hours sleep to regulate mood and libido.
- Avoid drugs or smoking: Don’t consume excess alcohol, any drug or smoke as it can worsen your sexual performance issues.
When should you get professional help?
If you are feeling anxiety for more than a month, then it’s time to consult a urologist, gynecologist, sex therapist or Mental Health professional.
FAQs:
- Can anxiety cause erectile dysfunction while I’m not feeling any physical problem?
Yes, it is possible. Anxiety can lead to erectile dysfunction even if you don’t feel any physical signs. Anxiety reduces blood flow and it results in reducing arousal signals needed for an erection. So, if you are feeling healthy but stressed, then you might lose interest in sex life.
- Is performance anxiety the same as general anxiety disorder (GAD)?
No, both are not the same. Performance anxiety is situation-specific which is focused around sexual performance. On the other hand, GAD involves chronic issues. But both can affect your sexual life in similar ways.
- Do women also feel sexual dysfunction due to anxiety?
Yes, stressed women face problems with arousal, lubrication, orgasm or desire. So, this emotional and mental stress can interfere with sexual life.
- Do anxiety medications have any side-effects on sexual performance?
Yes. Some anxiety pills can reduce your anxiety but its side effects can impact your sexual performance. You might feel reduced libido or delayed orgasm. So, it’s recommended to discuss your health condition and medications with your healthcare provider to get balance.
- Can therapy help you to deal with sexual performance anxiety?
Yes, definitely. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or sex therapy can help you to treat anxiety-related sexual problems. They can help you to deal with this problem by addressing root causes and building confidence.
- Should I tell my partner about my sexual performance anxiety?
Yes, definitely. You should discuss it with your partner. Open communication can help you to get some freedom and reduce pressure. You should share it without any shyness. A supportive and understanding partner will help you to feel more free and stress free which will improve your intimacy and emotional bonding.
Conclusion
Sexual satisfaction and performance depend on both physical and emotional health. Anxiety can affect this balance that can lead to stress or dissatisfaction. But you can treat it with therapy, lifestyle change or medication to reclaim a pleasing sexual life. You just need to understand the problem, don’t hesitate and contact your doctor for a healthy life.