Sex is one of the most prominent ways of boosting one’s mental well-being and physical health, which has been proven through various studies. From improved heart health and reduced blood pressure to a boost in the immune system, such an intimate activity can benefit you to a great length.
Although, it may not be as pleasurable as you expect it to be if you are continuously worried about how well you are doing in the bedroom. Performance anxiety can be detrimental to your love life, and you could lose the spark created from your sexual synergy.
There are multiple determinants of performance anxiety, but the effects caused by performance anxiety in the bedroom can be prolonged if not addressed immediately. To take countermeasures, let’s explore the ways through which performance anxiety is likely to affect you in the bedroom.
The six main ways performance anxiety impacts you during sex:
Sexual chemistry with your partner is not just limited to a physical response. Your emotions are directly involved in this delicate practice too. If your mind is too focused on your performance rather than the significance of the very moment, sex can become quite unenjoyable, not just for you but for your partner as well.
The emphasis on how to satisfy your partner and obsessing over function or technique shouldn’t be your number one priority. Why? Because it can result in overthinking and stress – which is counterproductive to what you’re trying to achieve! Instead, let the moment be natural and communicate. Sex isn’t meant to be perfect, it’s meant to be enjoyable which allows such chemistry to thrive between you and your partner. Therefore, stop overthinking it and listen to what your body is trying to tell you, naturally.
- In association with the above point, a focus on weight, body image, self-esteem and self-worth can affect your bedroom performance. This in turn can make you question your self-worth which ultimately leads to performance issues in the bedroom. Rather than focusing on your body image and weight, focus on the significance of the bond you share with your partner in the bedroom. Remember, the attraction is already there if they’re willing to be intimate with you. Self-criticism is outdated, don’t let societal pressures on how ‘a man should be’ dictate your relationships. Focus on what’s in front of you, aka, your intimate partner!
- Eventually, worrying too much about performance can be a disaster to the relationship. There’s no doubt about it, performance is important, however, as mentioned above, it’s not the only thing that matters. If bedroom performance is the elephant in the room, then you can anticipate tension between you and your partner. Obsessing over bedroom performance can raise red flags for your intimate partner which could harm the relationship.
This is because most men who struggle with sexual performance tend to avoid sex altogether. This is a natural behaviour that occurs as a form of ‘defence’. It’s very hard to speak up and address such issues related to performance anxiety, Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or even Premature Ejaculation (PE).
As a result, both partners lose the physical desire to make love. The perpetuity of such events might make the relationship toxic, and you could lose that special connection you once shared with your partner.
- Performance anxiety can close the chapter of your sexual activity before it even starts. There is no reason to think your penis won’t measure up to the task if you don’t at least try. This surmounting concern could cause “Erectile Dysfunction.” The harmful stigma that ‘men think with their penis’ is completely wrong! In fact, the penile function has everything to do with your mind. A healthy state of mind and psyche has a lot to do with performance.
- Performance anxiety can alter your perception of sex. The pressure of not performing well could make any person anxious to make love or initiate sex themselves. If you are not excited about it, chances are you’ll avoid sex altogether. Instead, you may opt for alternative ‘solutions’ such as pornography and obsessive masturbation. It seems tempting as there’s no one there to judge your performance, however, such long-term practices can lead to issues with porn addiction and Premature Ejaculation (PE) which can severely impact the ability to have intimate relations with someone else.
- Apart from the five points mentioned above, performance anxiety is the core determinant of Premature Ejaculation (PE) and sometimes blocks or delays ejaculation causing Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Even if you get an erection, the anxiety and the stress will make it hard to keep an erection.
Don’t Let Performance Anxiety Control You, Instead Control Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety should not be subject to judgment. It is an entirely normal and rather treatable sort of sexual dysfunction. It is better to consult and get therapy regularly than to keep it hidden. In fact, hiding could only make things worse.
Whether it be it Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Premature Ejaculation (PE) or some other issues, seeking a doctor’s guidance is the most feasible option on the table. At Men’s Health Clinic, our sexual health experts not only help you diagnose sexual dysfunction, but they can also redact the underlying causes to help you regain your confidence in the bedroom and develop a better relationship with your partner, on and off the bed.
Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Premature Ejaculation (PE) something you struggle with? Fortunately for you, we’ve developed a quiz and licensed sexual health doctors to help you identify the type of sexual dysfunction you have and how it can be treated.
Men’s Health Clinic is the leading provider for male sexual health issues, we provide customised treatment solutions to aid in your recovery. Contact us by booking an appointment with our licensed doctors.
