What Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?
Sexual performance anxiety is a condition that affects both men and women, causing them to feel anxious or nervous about sexual performance. Men in their 40s who experience erectile dysfunction (ED) may be particularly prone to this condition because sex drive decreases with age.
Sexual performance anxiety can make it difficult to enjoy sex and even lead to ED, making it an important issue to address.
Causes Of Sexual Performance Anxiety
There are a number of factors that can contribute to sexual performance anxiety.
- Negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself and one’s sexual abilities can play a significant role.
- Relationship issues that make arousal difficult
- Bedroom fear of not being able to pleasure a sexual partner can also be a contributing factor.
- Health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can lead to erectile dysfunction, further increasing anxiety about sexual performance.
- In some cases, medication side effects can also contribute to the problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of Sexual Performance Anxiety?
The symptoms of sexual performance anxiety can vary from person to person, but common ones include;
- Feeling anxious or nervous before or during sexual activity
- Having negative thoughts about oneself or one’s abilities to provide sexual satisfaction
- Experiencing difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
- Low libido/ sex drive or difficulty getting aroused
- Premature ejaculation
- Inability to climax or orgasm during intercourse
In severe cases, sexual concerns can lead to a complete inability to perform sexually, causing significant distress and frustration.
Can Performance Anxiety Ruin a Relationship?
Relationships can be complicated and there are many things that impact a relationship and sexual performance nerves can certainly be a contributing factor. Intimacy stress can result in you losing intimacy with your partner and lead to stress in the relationship.
This loss of intimacy can make your partner feel unloved or unwanted and leave your partner questioning your connection. While the reasoning behind a relationship being ruined is often multifaceted, this can be one thing that impacts it.
How Do I Stop Sexual Performance Anxiety?
Many times communication with your partner can restore confidence in the relationship and lessen sexual anxiety. Performance stress is often a physiological issue that has to do with your self-esteem about being able to perform in bed, could also be general relationship issues and can be one of the causes of losing an erection during sex.
Communication and vulnerability with your partner can lessen the emotional fear and insecurity surrounding your performance anxiety, lower expectations, and improve your sex life. If better communication doesn’t work, you may need to seek medical treatment
Sexual Performance Anxiety Treatment Options
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available for sexual performance anxiety disorder.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is one approach that has been shown to be effective in helping people overcome anxiety issues and negative thoughts. This type of counseling involves working with a mental health professional to identify and challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns. Through CBT, men in their 40s who experience ED can learn coping skills to overcome negative self-talk and develop a more positive outlook on their sexual abilities.
- Delayed ejaculation technique: This technique involves learning to control one’s orgasm and delaying ejaculation, which can help to reduce anxiety and build sexual confidence. With practice, men in their 40s who experience ED can learn to enjoy sex and feel more comfortable in their sexuality.
In addition to these treatments, there are also a number of medical interventions that can help to address the physical symptoms of ED.
Alpha Men’s Center offers a range of testosterone replacement therapy, extracorporeal wave therapy, p-shot platelet-rich plasma for erectile dysfunction, and sublingual testosterone therapy. These interventions can help to improve blood flow to the penis, which can lead to more enjoyable sex and a reduction in symptoms of sexual performance anxiety.
Facing Sexual Performance Problems? Book A Confidential Consultation
Cognitive behavioral therapy, delayed ejaculation techniques, and medical interventions such as testosterone replacement therapy and extracorporeal wave therapy can all be effective solutions in helping men to overcome negative thoughts and feelings about their sexual abilities.
With the right support and treatment, men in their 40s can regain confidence and enjoy fulfilling sexual relationships. If you are experiencing symptoms of sexual performance anxiety, consider reaching out to Alpha Men’s Center for help regaining your desire and sexual wellness.