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Can you use Cialis for performance anxiety? Believe it or not, men of any age can experience some form of performance anxiety. And that may even lead to a certain level of erectile dysfunction (ED) as well.
The good news is that there are several coping methods that one can use to overcome this type of anxiety. Note, however, that there is no such thing as a performance anxiety cure that will work for everyone.
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The Link between Erectile Dysfunction and Performance Anxiety
Research indicates that there is a link between a person’s state of mind and sexual performance (1). Feelings of inadequacy, as well as low levels of self-esteem, can produce physical symptoms—like ED, for instance.
It should be noted that these feelings of inadequacy or inability to please one’s partner can cause different levels of sexual dysfunction. This phenomenon can occur in both men and women.
Sexual Performance Anxiety Causes
There are several causes of performance anxiety. They range from negative feelings about oneself to disapproving thoughts and doubts about one’s capabilities (2, 3).
Sometimes these assessments come as a result of a spillover from other aspects of one’s life. At other times these anxieties are due to how one understands and thinks about sex in general.
For instance, if you lack confidence in bed or you feel inadequate about pleasing your partner, then that may cause sexual performance anxiety. Some people experience this with a new partner (4).
However, it can also occur when one is with previous partners as well. The following are some of the most common triggers of sexual performance anxiety:
- Worrying about early or premature ejaculation
- Taking too long to ejaculate
- Inability to stay hard during intercourse
- Experiencing pain during sex
- Problems with one’s love life
- Financial stress
- Problems with personal relationships
- Work-related stress
- Not feeling good/confident about one’s genitals
Having noted these possible causes, one’s performance anxiety treatment should address the root cause of the issue. That means taking medications like Cialis or Viagra may not always be a lasting treatment.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Sometimes taking sexual performance anxiety medication is the key, especially if the cause of performance anxiety is indeed erectile dysfunction. It should be noted that ED is a complex issue.
It can be caused by different contributing factors. Anything that can disrupt getting an erection can become a factor. This includes a man’s mental state, poor blood circulation, hormonal imbalance, and others.
Note that ED can contribute to performance anxiety and vice versa. Here are some of the common causes of erectile dysfunction:
- Recent surgery
- Pelvic irradiation
- Injuries
- Stroke
- Nerve damage due to diabetes
- Kidney disorders
- Any form of chronic illness
- Drug abuse
- Alcohol abuse
- Smoking
- Low testosterone levels
- Stress
- Disinterest
- Depression
As you can see from the possible list of causes above, there is an apparent overlap between performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction. That is why some men have found using 5mg Cialis for performance anxiety useful.
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Medications That Cause ED/Performance Anxiety
Your doctor can help potential causes of performance anxiety, especially when it is possibly caused by certain medications. Even a pharmacist can tell you the possible side effects of certain drugs.
Certain medications can contribute to erectile dysfunction and sexual performance anxiety. These include medicines that affect blood circulation, nerves, and the body’s hormones:
- Drugs for the prostate
- Chemotherapy medication
- Hormone therapy drugs
- Muscle relaxers
- Medication for an irregular heartbeat
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Anti-depressants
Symptoms of Performance Anxiety
Note that performance anxiety affects each person differently. There are general symptoms, but each person reacts to the causes differently; thus, the symptoms you experience may not exactly be the same for another.
Some of the most common symptoms include loss of interest in sex, inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation.
When one experiences the inability to get or maintain an erection (i.e., erectile dysfunction), then that may also lead to the loss of sexual desire.
Viagra and Cialis for Performance Anxiety
Studies have shown that it is possible to alleviate performance anxiety by treating erectile dysfunction through the use of Cialis or Viagra (5, 6).
Remember that it is not that these two medications have any direct impact on one’s anxiety. But they address one particular cause of that anxiety (i.e., erectile dysfunction).
Note that the studies by the Western Reserve University Medical School and the University of North Carolina say that these medications (Cialis and Viagra) can provide as much as 43% up to 95% mediation.
That basically tells how effective these drugs are at addressing performance anxiety. Note that both of these medications are safe and are well tolerated by those who use them.
They can be taken on demand, which is the usual way they are administered. Note, however, that Cialis can be taken once a day with a 36-hour window of efficacy.
Other Methods to Address Performance Anxiety
Remember, as it was pointed out earlier, there are several possible causes of performance anxiety. Addressing the said causes promotes a positive sexual experience.
Here are some solutions to treating performance anxiety other than using Cialis or tadalafil.
- Exercise
According to one research (7), exercising for 20 to 30 minutes can reduce stress levels and thus improve a person’s confidence in sexual performance.
The same study also recommends Kegel exercises and pelvic exercises, as well. These exercises help strengthen the muscles that deliver blood to the penis and groin area.
- Focus on the sensory experience
Focusing on the sensory experience during intercourse can block out anxious thoughts. Playing romantic music and lighting scented candles can also enhance one’s mood as well.
- Other techniques
Other techniques help treat performance anxiety. They may also help improve a man’s ability to maintain an erection. Some of these techniques include the following:
- Stress reduction
- Sexual education
- Sex therapy
- Couples counseling
- Guided meditation
- Guided imagery therapy
Conclusion
Performance anxiety should be addressed according to its possible cause. Using Cialis for performance anxiety is one solution that may prove quite helpful.
