Anticipatory anxiety, otherwise known as performance anxiety, is when individuals have sexual problems because they anticipate that they will have sexual problems during a sexual act. For example, a man who is nervous that he will be unable to maintain an erection during sex will get anxious during the sexual act. This can lead to premature ejaculations, problems becoming erect, and a lack of desire to have sex. Anticipatory anxiety is often rooted in other insecurities such as fearing rejection, worrying about disappointing the partner, or concern over performance and erection quality. Anticipatory anxiety can also occur in women who are concerned about not being able to orgasm during sex.
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