The term Sexual Anxiety is one that we usually associate with men; however women too experience anxiety relating to sex, which can have different causes and may result in female sexual dysfunction.
They say that the most important sexual organ of the woman is between her ears, so it follows that if she in under some stress or is anxious about something, sex can be a casualty. Sexual anxiety could negatively impact any part of a woman’s sexual response: excitement, plateau, orgasm and resolution.
According to some estimates female sexual dysfunction is very common and could impact as many as 40% of women to some extent and could have its basis in physical and/or psychological reasons.
Possible psychosocial reasons for sexual anxiety
If a woman is under stress, work related or any other kind, she may experience not only diminished interest in sex, but also anxiety about sexual performance. Sexual abuse suffered in the past can be a strong indicator of sexual anxiety as well.
Self esteem issues, depression, feelings of guilt and other emotional issues can contribute to anxiety relating to sex and intimacy.
Women who have trouble getting sexually aroused, or the inability to reach orgasm may cause apprehensions about sex and hence anxiety about intercourse. Relationship issues, such as indifference or anger towards a partner, and simply boredom could be at the bottom of the problem.
Or it could be lack of knowledge or the inability of a partner to rouse a woman that could be the problem. Women may be apprehensive about not being adequately responsive or may have a problem communicating with partners about their feelings that can add to feelings of sexual anxiety.
Upbringing and religious beliefs could also have some bearing on the way that a woman views physical intimacy and this could be another reason why she may feel guilt or even disgust or revulsion about sex. This could prevent fantasizing and inhibit sexual arousal as well.
Physical problems that could cause sexual anxiety
Hormonal imbalances are frequently the underlying cause of the problem: pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and menopause can all cause very significant hormonal changes. These can result in lack of interest in sex, or even vaginal dryness that could make sex painful and hence result in anxiety.
Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, could also cause sexual problems. Alcohol and drug abuse as well as certain prescription medications could alter normal sexual feelings and functioning.
Solutions for sex anxiety
Though problems relating to sex can be worrying and may impact relationships negatively, in most cases resolving the underlying psychological or physiological issue will resolve the problem.
Meanwhile couples can try to get more information about anatomy and anatomical responses. This will in particular help if there is a physical reason why a woman is feeling pain during intercourse or has trouble becoming aroused.
Better interpersonal communication can help tremendously in working through a woman’s problem relative to sexual anxiety. Working on intimacy, sexual as well as non sexual can also help relieve the problem.
