Sex may be natural and all, but it doesn’t mean that all people can do it with ease. With the advent of social media, beauty norms, and more, sex has become less about your partner and having fun. Nowadays, the way you look, the way you perform, and the absence of an emotional connection can all lead to sexual performance anxiety. If you’re feeling nervous or anxious before sex, you may be suffering from this. This is not your fault. Sex has grown from being solely about procreation to fulfilling sexual fantasies and desires and growing closer with your partner. We’ve outlined the causes of sexual performance anxiety and what you can do it stop it. Keep reading for more.
What Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?
According to For Hims, Sexual performance anxiety is “a feeling of nervousness and anxiety before and during sex. It’s very common, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It can occur for a wide range of different reasons, including concern about sexual performance (for example, worrying that you may not fully satisfy your partner)”. When you experience sexual performance anxiety, your body might release more stress hormones like adrenaline, making it harder for you to enjoy sex and/or relax. The reasons you might get sexual performance anxiety can come from any of the following reasons.
- Concern about sexual performance and how you might mesh with your partner
- Body image issues, such as concern over your weight, height, or the way your body looks
- Relationship issues, like a lack of emotional connection or feeling critical of your relationship
- Other sources of stress
- Nervousness about sexual activity, in general
How To Stop Or Diminish Sexual Performance Anxiety
- Talk to a therapist: Make plants to meet with a counselor or a therapist who has experience in treating sexual problems. Therapy is a great remedy for reducing this type of stressor. They can also suggest some techniques that may be able to help.
- Talk to your partner: A lot of sexual performance anxiety stems from not knowing what your partner thinks or assuming what they are thinking. Speak to them and be open about how you feel. You may even get closer as a couple.
- Exercise: Improve your stamina and relieve stress at the same time!
- Get intimate in other ways: Intimacy is not all about sex! In fact, it may spice up your sex life to do so! WebMD suggests mutual masturbation or sensual massage as foreplay. Hot hot hot!
- Distractions: Put on music or a sexy movie while you have sex. Get turned on and get your inhibitions go. You can focus on the distractions to stop you from worrying.
