Is there any link between performance anxiety and ED?

Most men struggle to get an erection at some point in their lives. Some researches have shown a link between performance anxiety and ED (erectile dysfunction). A study conducted in 2005 found that performance anxiety can cause sexual dysfunction among both men and women.

Performance anxiety happens when you feel stressed about your body image or your ability to please your partner. Sex is supposed to be enjoyable, but it’s tough to have fun if you’re constantly worrying about how well you’re doing. Also, fear and anxiety about penis size could play a role in performance anxiety. Other causes of performance anxiety may include

Stress about:

1. Work

2. Relationships

3. Kids or other family members

4. Finances

5. Body image

Symptoms of performance anxiety include-                     

1. Negative thoughts before or during sex

2. Negative thoughts or feelings associated with sex

3. Worry or fear before or during sex

4. Worry or fear when thinking about sex

5. Inability to climax during sex

6. Decreased interest in sex

7. Increased heart rate

8. Sweating

9. Unsettled stomach

Understanding the connection   

erectile dysfunction can be triggered by different physical and psychological factors, including performance anxiety. When you are anxious, you experience an increase in hormones like norepinephrine and cortisol. An increase in these hormone levels also causes an increase in your blood pressure levels, which could cause a reduction in blood flow to your penis, preventing you from getting or sustaining an erection.

Seek professional help from a therapist if your performance anxiety persists or if it happens more frequently. Moreover, there are many ways that you can try out to manage performance anxiety. If your performance anxiety is causing erectile dysfunction, treating the performance anxiety may also help reduce ED.