What is Sexual Anxiety?
Sexual anxiety is a common issue that affects many people who have experienced some form of sexual abuse or assault, especially those who are experiencing PTSD from these events. It can cause difficulty with intimacy, performance anxiety during sex, shame about one's body or desires, or fear of rejection or judgment.
Common Causes of Sexual Anxiety
The causes of sexual anxiety vary from person to person, but they usually stem from traumatic experiences related to sex or intimacy. These may include childhood sexual abuse, rape, incest, domestic violence, or any other type of physical or emotional abuse. Other factors such as past negative sexual experiences, body image issues, cultural norms, religious beliefs, and societal expectations can also contribute to sexual anxiety.
Symptoms of Sexual Anxiety
Symptoms of sexual anxiety can manifest physically, emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally. Physical symptoms might include sweating, shaking, heart palpitations, stomach aches, nausea, and trouble breathing. Emotional symptoms could be feeling anxious before engaging in sexual activity, worrying about not meeting their partner's needs or desires, or avoidance of intimacy altogether. Mentally, someone with sexual anxiety might experience intrusive thoughts about the event, self-blame, feelings of guilt or shame, and difficulty trusting others. Behavioral signs might include withdrawing from relationships, avoiding sexual situations, and engaging in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or substance use.
Treatment for Sexual Anxiety
Treatment options for sexual anxiety typically involve therapy or medication. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have all been shown to be effective in managing sexual anxiety. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help alleviate some physical symptoms of anxiety but do not address the root causes of the issue. Self-care practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and journaling can also provide relief from stress related to sexual anxiety.
Impact on Future Relationships
Sexual anxiety can have a significant impact on future relationships by affecting one's ability to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and desires during intimate moments. It can lead to difficulties initiating and maintaining relationships, experiencing pleasure during sexual encounters, and creating a sense of safety within them.
It can cause individuals to avoid intimacy altogether out of fear that they will be rejected or judged.
How do traumatic sexual experiences influence future sexual anxiety and behavior?
The experience of trauma can have profound impact on an individual's life, including their sexual development and expression. Traumatic sexual experiences may lead to fear, shame, guilt, and other negative feelings that can interfere with a person's ability to feel safe and enjoyable during sex, resulting in increased levels of anxiety.