Sexual Performance Anxiety

Updated: JUNE 30, 2018

Sexual performance anxiety refers to a psychological and physical condition where an individual constantly worries about their performance in bed. This condition affects both men and women. It is much more noticeable in men because it causes them to lose their erection during or prior to sexual intercourse.

Sexual performance anxiety is related to various causes. Most of the time, it goes away on its own once the individual has mustered enough self-confident to indulge in sexual activities. However, more severe cases normally require intensive sessions of sex therapy or counseling. Certain forms of medications have also been known to encourage sexual performance anxiety.

More About Sexual Performance Anxiety

For a woman, sexual performance anxiety is more commonly linked to a deep-rooted fear about not being able to fully let go and reach orgasm. In fact, studies have shown that women who worry too much about whether or not they will climax are more prone to sexual performance anxiety. Body image and anxiety issues can also trigger this condition.

As far as men are concerned, sexual performance anxiety can be linked to an obsessive concern about premature ejaculation. Obsessing around penile length and girth can equally cause this condition.

Sexual performance anxiety manifests itself in a variety of symptoms. In a man, for example, this condition often results in an inability to reach erection or the loss of erection during intercourse. Female patients complain of vaginal dryness which can cause pain during sex.