Our sexuality and our ability to express our sexuality are a big part of our identity. Sometimes all it takes is one instance of poor performance to trigger sexual anxiety that can quickly snowball and become a long term problem. If you are experiencing sexual problems, there may not be an underlying physical cause. You may be struggling with feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness that are then triggering physical symptoms that make it even more difficult to perform. Learn more about the relationship between anxiety and sexual disorders and what you can do to overcome mental blocks and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

The Causes of Sexual Anxiety 

In many cases, sexual anxiety is the result of negative thought patterns. Do you find yourself engaged in internal dialogues where you put yourself down or question whether you are “good enough?” Are you self conscious about your body and struggle with body image issues that leave you feeling unattractive? It is all too common for humans to get caught up in these negative cycles without being aware of the causes of the effects of these types of thoughts. 

Perhaps you are going through a particularly stressful time in life that has been marked by major life events, like the end of a relationship or a career change. Or maybe you are suffering from depression or general anxiety that is going untreated. These factors can trigger and perpetuate negative thoughts that then lead to physical symptoms such as erectile dysfunction. 

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction simply means that you have trouble getting and/or maintaining an erection. This is a common problem for men of all ages and shouldn’t be associated with any personal feelings of self-worth. When it comes to ED, there is a wide range of potential causes. 

Some physical causes include:

• Low testosterone levels
• Nerve damage associated with diabetes
• Stroke
• Recent surgery
• Kidney disorders and other chronic illnesses

Certain medications can also cause ED. If you have been prescribed antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxers or other drugs, these may be affecting your blood flow, nerves, and hormones. 

Diagnosing ED

If you are experiencing ED, you should visit your doctor to determine whether there are underlying physical problems that can be addressed. During your visit, your doctor will ask about your medical history and conduct some basic tests, including a physical exam, a blood test, and urinalysis. A specialist may also use an ultrasound device to determine the amount of blood flow to the penis. Finally, the doctor will ask you questions about your mental health and any recent feelings of depression or extreme stress.

Based on their findings, your doctor will recommend treatments to help with any physical conditions that may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction. Once you have addressed these issues, you can begin to attend to other psychological factors that are also playing a role. 

Natural Treatments for Sexual Anxiety Disorder

No matter how much sexual experience you have, sexual anxiety is something that can affect both men and women and make it difficult to become aroused and reach orgasm. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of sexual anxiety is that is has a snowball effect. The more you experience problems, the more anxious you will become about sex, making it difficult to overcome mental blocks and enjoy the experience. This lack of confidence simply becomes worse over time and makes it nearly impossible to conquer without medication and/or therapy.

When it comes to dealing with sexual anxiety, it is important to rewrite your thought patterns. Instead of viewing ED as a personal failure, think about what might be causing stress in your life. Don’t focus on the symptoms. Instead, reflect on the potential causes. This will give you a better perspective and allow you to stop the snowball effect. 

Another way to get out of your own head and stay present during sex is to focus on your senses. Take inventory of what you are seeing and feeling and don’t worry about how you are being perceived. This can help you relax and avoid that mental loop of anxiety that can lead to physical symptoms. 

Communication is also key. Don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about your performance anxiety. You may be able to work together to create a more warm and welcoming environment that helps you feel relaxed. Being open can also relieve some of the burdens and reduce stress.

Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress, provide relief from anxiety and help with ED. If you aren’t exercising on a regular basis, there is a good chance that you don’t have strong coping mechanisms in place when it comes to dealing with stressors. Even 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise can improve your mental and physical well-being, increase your self-esteem and allow you to reduce the number of times you experience ED.

Meditation is another great relaxation and stress-relief practice that can help you live a happier and healthier life. Even just five minutes a day can make a difference. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it on your own, try guided meditation apps that will walk you through some breathing exercises. 

Medical Treatments for Sexual Anxiety

If your doctor has identified medical causes that are contributing to your sexual anxiety or natural treatments are providing you with the results you want, there are medical treatments that can help you perform better. PDE type-5 inhibitor drugs are designed to increase blood flow to the penis. About 70% of men who take these drugs experience positive results although the medications can come with side effects, including muscle aches, indigestion, headache, and stuffy nose.

For those who are experiencing ED and resulting sexual anxiety due to hormone levels, testosterone replacement therapy and help increase testosterone levels and improve sexual performance. 

The good news is that you don’t have to continue to experience sexual anxiety disorder and its symptoms. There are solutions. The team at Restorative Health can help design a custom treatment plan that helps you enjoy a healthy sex life. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and don’t let your sexual anxiety snowball into long term disorder.