Learn about the causes of Performance Anxiety & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of
Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Performance Anxiety within New
Zealand.
Therapies which may benefit Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is a fear of sexual activity and the associated
pressure to perform sexually. Performance anxiety can result in an
emotional block on sexual thoughts and intimate feelings and avoidance
tactics to prevent being engaged in sexual activity. Performance
anxiety can lead to low self-esteem, relationship problems, vaginal
lubrication and erectile dysfunction.
Causes of performance anxiety
Performance anxiety can be
caused by physical or biological conditions but in the majority of
cases the problem is psychological. Performance anxiety is caused by
the fear of not performing sexually which can affect sexual activity in
a number of ways.
The
fear of a first sexual encounter can cause anxiety which then affects
performance. Relationship problems, sexual dysfunction and low
self-esteem can also lead to performance anxiety. Once a person fears
or feels anxious about sex, that awareness encourages a preoccupation
with the problem leading to even less sexual interaction or avoidance
of sex altogether.
When the anticipation of sex triggers anxiety
and is then coupled with a previous memory of sexual failure, avoidance
of sex with a partner is common. This can be seen as rejection but it
is actually a way for the person who is suffering with performance
anxiety to regain control and feel less guilty about their perceived
inadequacy.
Symptoms of performance anxiety
The first symptom of performance anxiety is an avoidance or loss of
interest in sex. Performance anxiety can also cause, or be caused by:
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g. erectile dysfunction)
- Low self-esteem
- Stress
- Taking medications
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Relationship problems
Performance
anxiety can affect both sexes but is more common in men. Women who
suffer with sexual performance anxiety may need to use vaginal
lubrication in order to have sex comfortably.
Diagnosis of performance anxiety
Many people feel embarrassed that they are unable to perform sexually
but it is important to seek medical help to overcome your problems.
Your GP will first attempt to rule out any physical underlying cause
but if your problem is psychological, you (and sometimes your partner)
may be referred to a mental health expert who specialises in sexual
health to find the root cause of your anxieties.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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