#HealthBytes: How to overcome sexual performance anxiety
What's the story
A satisfying sex life results in overall emotional, physical, and mental well-being. However, your anxiety about how well you've been doing in bed might hinder your pleasure and satisfaction levels. Performance anxiety is a psychological problem, many men suffer from. Here's what causes sexual performance anxiety, and some tips that can help you get rid of it.
Causes
What are the various causes of sexual performance anxiety?
Here are some common causes that lead to sexual anxiety performance: 1) Emotional issues in your relationship with your sexual partner. 2) Body image issues, like concerns over your weight. 3) Fear of not being able to satisfy your partner. 4) Concerns over genital size or appearance. 5) Concerns over problems like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction (ED) or the inability to reach an orgasm.
Tips (1)
See your doctor; Try medications; Consult a therapist
First thing you should do is to see your doctor and discuss honestly about your sex life and performance anxiety issues. As long as the underlying causes of performance anxiety are physical, like ED or premature ejaculation, certain medications can help. However, if physical causes are not the reason, talk to a therapist or counselor who'll understand and address your bedtime performance anxiety.
Tips (2)
Open up with your partner; Try non-sexual means of intimacy
Talk to your partner: Bring up what's going in your mind, with your partner. Sharing the problem will ease your worries and the two of you might be able to draw out effective solutions. Alternate intimacy: Look at ways of intimacy other than sexual intercourse. Try massaging, bathing together, or an impromptu vacation as these will take the pressure of sexual performance off you.
Information
Try exercising and voluntary distraction to reduce sexual performance anxiety
Exercise can help reduce performance anxiety as it improves your body image and also enhances sexual stamina. In addition, distracting yourself during sex with some sensual music, film or simply arousing thoughts can help you manage performance anxiety.