Can performance anxiety reduce vaginal feeling?
Yes, performance anxiety can cause muscle tension and distraction, making it harder to focus on pleasurable sensations and sometimes leading to reduced vaginal feeling during sex.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Performance anxiety shifts mental focus from pleasure to concerns about sexual function or a partner’s satisfaction. This can inhibit arousal, reduce vaginal lubrication, and cause pelvic muscle tension, all of which may dampen sensation. Addressing anxiety, building confidence, and using relaxation strategies are helpful. NHS: Anxiety.
Clinical Context
Open communication with your partner and seeking professional support can greatly improve anxiety-related sexual symptoms.
Evidence-Based Approaches
NHS and NICE recommend addressing both physical and psychological factors for sexual wellbeing (NICE CKS).