Sex anxiety is a real and common problem that can affect anyone, regardless of their sexual experience. It can be caused by several things, including performance anxiety, body image issues, or simply not being comfortable with your partner. So, I’ve prepared this article to answer your question on how to get rid of sex anxiety.
Why am I Getting Anxious Before Sex?
Some are yet to identify the trigger for always getting anxious before sex. The point is that there’s no one answer to this question since everyone experiences sex anxiety differently. However, some of the factors that may contribute to sex anxiety include personal insecurity, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence in one’s sexual abilities.
Some people may experience sex anxiety because of personal experiences or because they’ve been taught to fear sex by their parents, teachers, or other authority figures.
Others may develop sex anxiety due to a social conditioning process, meaning that it’s learned and accepted as a norm in our society. This can happen when people are constantly told that sex is dirty, wrong, or shameful.
Still, others may have a general anxiety disorder that affects their thoughts and feelings about all aspects of life, including sexuality. In the case of sex anxiety, those thoughts and feelings often focus on the possibility of being rejected, embarrassed, or harmed during sexual activity.
Symptoms of Being Anxious before Getting Intimate
The most common symptoms of anxiety before sex include feeling tense and anxious, having trouble focusing or concentrating, feeling like your heart is going to beat out of your chest, having a racing brain, being too worried about what others might think, and experiencing nausea or vomiting.
Read also: Simple Ways To Keep It Together On A Stressful WorkDay
Is Anxiety Normal Before Sex?
Yes, anxiety is normal before sex. It can range from mild to severe, but it typically goes away once the sexual encounter begins.
Here are some things that may contribute to your anxiety:
You’re feeling more exposed than you typically do.
You may be feeling more nervous or scared than usual.
You may be experiencing higher levels of arousal than usual.
Your body may be reacting differently to sexual stimulation due to all the hormones that are released during sex.
It can feel like there’s a lot at stake, emotionally or physically, when you’re having sex for the first time.
How to Get Rid of Sex Anxiety
The good news is that there are a number of things you can do to get rid of sex anxiety and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship. Here are seven tips:
- Talk about it: The first step is to talk about your anxieties with your partner. This will help them understand where you’re coming from and what you’re feeling. It can also help to open up the lines of communication so that you can address any concerns together.
- Take it slow: If sex is something that’s causing you anxiety, don’t feel like you have to rush into it. Take things at your own pace and focus on enjoying the physical intimacy without putting pressure on yourself to perform perfectly.
- Practicing relaxation techniques before sex: This can involve techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization. You can also try self-hypnosis or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Participating in sexual activities that are comfortable for you: This may involve trying different kinds of sexual positions, experimenting with different types of lubricants, and masturbating in a way that feels pleasurable.
- Identify the triggers that lead to sex anxiety: You must understand why you are experiencing anxiety. For you to identify the triggers, you must pay attention to your emotions and probably create a plan to address the triggers and minimize the chances of an anxiety attack during sex.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes before sex: These substances can increase your anxiety levels significantly.
- Get outside help: If despite your best efforts, sex anxiety is still negatively affecting your life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in sexual health.
Sex Anxiety in Marriage
There are a few ways to get rid of sex anxiety in marriage. One way is to create a healthy sexual life from the beginning by discussing your expectations and boundaries with your spouse. This will help to ensure that you’re both comfortable with the sexual activity that takes place in your relationship.
Another way is to learn about and treat the root causes. If you know what’s causing it, then you can work on addressing it directly. There are many treatment options available, including talk therapy, medication, or even hypnotherapy. Whichever option you choose, make sure to stick with it for the long term.
Tips for Overcoming Sex Anxiety
There are a few things you can do to overcome sex anxiety. First, it’s important to realize that everyone experiences sex differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. What matters most is that you start by addressing the root of your anxiety and working on gradually increasing your comfort level.
This means slowly exposing yourself to new situations until you reach a point where you’re no longer tense or uncomfortable.
Secondly, it’s important to find a support system. This can be someone who you talk to about your anxiety or someone who can help guide you through different sexual encounters. They should be knowledgeable and understanding about sex and can guide without judgment.
Lastly, it’s important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and avoid caffeine and cigarettes during times when you’re anxious or stressed out. These small things will go a long way in supporting your overall well-being and helping reduce symptoms of sex anxiety.
Treatment Options
There are many effective ways to treat sexual anxiety, including therapy, medication (if necessary), self-help books and articles, and lifestyle changes like exercising regularly. If you’re struggling with this issue and wish to find help, please speak with your doctor or therapist for more information.
Conclusion
Many are suffering from sex anxiety. While there are different causes for that, it is important to identify the root causes. If you know what’s causing it, then you can work on addressing it directly. There are many treatment options available, including talk therapy, medication, or even hypnotherapy.
If all else fails, seek professional assistance. Many therapists specialize in treating issues related to sexuality and anxiety, and they may be able to provide you with the treatment you need to overcome your fear of sex.
