How anxiety can get in the way of sexuality
There are various ways that anxiety can turn into an extra wheel in the bed during sex. Amongst other things, anxiety makes sex difficult emotionally because you are more likely to have obsessive thoughts about your appearance, or performance, or other factors, that your desire for sex may disappear before the encounter even starts. Some common symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, may overlap with symptoms which often happen during sex. This could make your muscles tense as you may lose focus, and anxious thoughts might lead you to think you could be in danger of a panic attack. This will obviously have an emotional impact, and give you a desire to avoid sex altogether.
What happens when you experience anxiety?
Some anxiety symptoms which can physically affect sexuality:
- Anxiety causes blood to flow away from the extremities such as fingers, toes, and also the genital areas, and the flow is re-routed to protect our vital organs.
- A good blood flow is needed for a sexual encounter.
- The whole body may experience muscle tension, constricting and tightening the muscles.
- Generalized anxiety may require to be treated with antidepressant meds. Many of these medications have side effects which affect can cause a lack of sexual desire and low libido.
- Tiredness and fatigue, which is always distressing, and affects libido.
High anxiety leads to stress, and stress leads to anxiety – creating almost a never-ending circle.
Getting enough sleep
Studies conducted by the US Academy of Sleep Medication have shown that not getting enough sleep, or very poor-quality sleep, is a major reason for fatigue and tiredness. The academy recommends that an adult person needs about 7 hours sleep per night for optimal health. Unfortunately, not many people get unbroken sleep for 7 hours, as there could be bathroom calls, or other disturbances as the night goes on. However, if you are able to go back to sleep easily after a disturbance, experts agree that if you are getting good, restful sleep the hours can be added together. If you are unable to go back to sleep for a couple of hours, and feel unrested in the morning, you may be heading towards insomnia issues. If you suspect that this could be the case, visit the doctor for help and a diagnosis.
What you can do to help yourself.
The good news is that anxiety does not have to rule your sex life. If you are really struggling with anxiety, you should consider finding professional support to help manage the anxiety. A therapist can help you with coping skills to help you get rid of the extra wheel when you get into bed!
We can help!
If anxiety has diminished your sexual desire, we can help. Herbal Remedies International have taken some potent herbal ingredients, and developed excellent formulas to combat issues of low libido. our products are safe to take and do not need a doctor’s script. Visit us at www.herbalremedies.co.za to view our awesome range of products, and the number of issues we cover. We are here to help you find a safe, natural solution to issues of low libidos and associated problems.