Sexual performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction (ED) are both troublesome issues, and it’s possible for a man to have both. But they do have some clear differences.
A man with sexual performance anxiety has worries about his sexual function or his ability to please his partner sexually. He might have questions like these:
Will I be able to get a firm erection?
Will I ejaculate too quickly?
Will I have an orgasm?
Does my partner find me attractive?
Is my penis big enough?
Am I sexually skilled enough?
Will my partner reach orgasm?
What will happen if my partner is not sexually satisfied?
Men who use pornography can develop sexual performance anxiety if they compare their real-life experiences to what they see in adult films and videos. Usually, such depictions are not realistic, but men may feel nervous or inadequate if they don’t perform the same way.
Sometimes, a man may become so concerned about his performance that he develops erectile dysfunction (ED). The anxiety triggers the production of stress hormones (such as epinephrine and norepinephrine) which can narrow blood vessels in the penis and make it difficult for blood to flow in and form an erection.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man cannot get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. As noted earlier, ED can be a result of performance anxiety.
But health situations can affect erections, too. Here are some examples:
Diabetes
Heart disease
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Smoking
Nerve damage
Cancer treatment (such as prostatectomy – removal of the prostate gland)
Thyroid disorders
Low testosterone
Medication side effects
Attention deficit (especially in young men)
Sometimes, ED leads to performance anxiety. A man who has had trouble with erections in the past may become anxious about his ability to perform sexually in the future.
While it’s possible to have both sexual performance anxiety and ED, it doesn’t always happen this way. Men who feel confident in the bedroom and in their relationships can still develop ED.
Fortunately, both ED and sexual performance anxiety can be treated.
Men with performance anxiety may consider sex therapy. A therapist can help men work through their concerns, adjust their expectations, and become more focused on the pleasure of sex. For example, a man who is concerned about a small penis might be relieved to learn that his length is in the average range. Or a man who worries about his partner’s orgasm may learn ways to ask his partner what he or she likes.
If the man is in a relationship, it’s often a good idea for his partner to come to therapy with him. Sometimes, partners are the source of pressure and anxiety due to their own worries, sexual problems, or lack of knowledge. Attending therapy together can help a couple with relationship tension, too.
Men with ED have a variety of treatment options, including medications, self-injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants.
