Written by Pharmacist Nestor Ogu

Sexual performance anxiety in men is a sexual worry or fear of not being able to satisfy a partner, get or keep an erection, or other factors.

It is caused by several factors ranging from fear of not being able to satisfy your partner. Insecurities over one's body image like body weight play a significant role. A lot of young people also suffer from this due to abuse of drugs and intake of medications in order to perform optimally. Stress has a very large negative impact on performance anxiety due to cortisol rise and testosterone fall. Between 9% to 25% of men experience sexual performance anxiety.

Sexual performance anxiety presents with symptoms such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delay ejaculation and negative thoughts and fear during or before sex. Treating usually involves cognitive and behavioural therapy and the use of sex enhancers like Viagra.

Overcoming SPA includes but not limited to being open to your partner through communication, applying othe means of intimacy, getting more knowledge and seeking professional help.

Your sexual wellbeing is as important as your overall wellbeing and if SPA is getting in the way, there is hope for a better sex life.