Several conditions contribute to satisfactory sexual activity. Confidence, both in oneself and in the relationship, plays a crucial role. Stress and anxiety can hinder sexual desire and function, particularly performance anxiety. Additionally, aging may necessitate greater physical stimulation for arousal. It is imperative for individuals to focus their attention on sexual stimuli without being distracted by negative thoughts or low self-esteem. Failure to do so can impede arousal and satisfaction.
Self-confidence includes the belief that you can function sexually, that your partner finds you attractive, and that your partner feels good about you. If one of the two consistently puts down or threatens the other, then self-confidence is undermined.
Any type of stress during intercourse can lead to inhibition of sexual function. The most common is performance anxiety, where the person fears that they will not function sexually. For example, the man is afraid that he will not succeed or lose his erection. But this fear inhibits the possibility of arousal and therefore the difficulty of arousal further increases performance anxiety. And let’s not forget the need for greater physical stimulation as we age.
Of course, in order for stimuli to cause arousal, the individual must be able to focus their attention on them. If the person feels distracted by thoughts of possible dysfunction, or by low self-confidence, or by thoughts about how the partner is reacting, it is possible that they will not be aroused by sexual stimuli.