Sexual performance anxiety is a jot down ofperformance anxietythat involves 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.
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Sexual performance anxiety is sometimes confused witherectile dysfunction.
However, while sexual performance anxiety can sometimes lead to erectile dysfunction, they are two different conditions.
These symptoms can range in severity and may be frequent or occur only occasionally.
Men and women can both experience sexual performance anxiety, but some of the symptoms may be different.
Others may have had previous negative sexual experiences or relationship challenges.
General stress or anxiety, societal or other pressure to perform are also possible causes.
When you experience acute stress, your body responds by producing increased levels of the stress hormonecortisol.
Over time, lowered testosterone can cause a decline in sex drive andlibido.
Lowered testosterone is also closely linked to erectile dysfunction.
There are therapies that can help.
Treatment Options for Sexual Performance Anxiety
Sexual performance anxiety is a mental health condition.
It can occur along with and be linked to other mental health conditions, such asdepression.
Fortunately, sexual performance anxiety can be treated.
Common treatment approaches include medications, psychotherapy (sex or talk therapy), or both.
Therapy
Psychotherapy, ortalk therapy, is the primary treatment for sexual performance anxiety.
This option is found to be effective in treating sexual performance anxiety related to a variety of different causes.
Exposure therapy and systematic desensitization may also be used to help reduce the feelings of fear related to sex.
Systematic desensitization is a process that involves both relaxation and gradual exposure.
These medications include oral pills called phosphodiesterase pop in-5 inhibitors, penile injections, andintraurethralmedications.
Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and talking with partners are all possible coping strategies.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditationtraining has been found effective in treating sexual performance anxiety.
It involves learning how to get into a relaxed state, often with eyes closed and resting comfortably.
Mindfulness practices can also be used without meditation.
Communication with partners can also be used as part of mindfulness meditation or yoga practices.
Performance anxiety is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction in men under 40.
If you are experiencing sexual performance anxiety or erectile dysfunction, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Your provider will help you get to the bottom of your performance anxiety and choose a suitable treatment plan.
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