How to Overcome a Fear of Sex

A sexual encounter is loaded with potential for positive and negative results. Inexperience, lack of knowledge, or a history of sexually related difficulties may be escalating your fear of engaging in sexual activity. Women and men share certain fears, but have unique issues to address as well. Knowledge, self-help strategies, and professional assistance will help you break free of your fear.

Things You Should Know

Make a plan to address your fear. It might include identifying and challenging your negative thoughts, studying anatomy, or seeking out a sex therapist.
Communicate your feelings and be open about your emotions, especially when you’re working through your fears with a partner.
Try to relax and find fun in sex. It’s meant to be enjoyable, so explore lightening the mood with playfulness.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Breaking Free of Fear

Download Article

1
Face your fear. Determine what you are afraid of and challenge it. When it comes to being fearful of sex, you need to know what has caused you to be afraid. Identifying specific fears can help you focus on finding a solution.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Sit down and make a list of the things you fear about sex. For example, you may not know how to initiate sex, you might be afraid of doing something wrong, or you're embarrassed of how you look naked.
- Challenge your fears by listing possible solutions to resolve your fears. For example, if you’re not sure how to initiate sex with your partner, ask a trusted friend for insight. Even watching a romantic movie might help.
- If you are afraid of doing something wrong, you need to study the subject and figure out what techniques work best for you. Preparation and knowledge will lessen any fear.
2
Educate yourself on human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of the human body have been studied for centuries. There are volumes of information you can refer to if you are unaware of some or all parts of the female or male anatomy.
- If your fear is related to not knowing enough about a woman's and man's external genitalia, then educating yourself may alleviate that fear.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- The female genitalia includes: the vagina, a tubular organ connecting the genitals with the uterus; the uterus, a hollow muscular organ where a fetus grows during pregnancy; the vulva includes all the visible external aspects (mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethra, vaginal vestibule, perineal body); glans, the tip of the clitoris that is a highly sensitive organ.^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- The male genitalia includes: the penis, cylindrical mass of penile tissue; the testes, oval, glandular organs contained inside the skin pouch called the scrotum; glans, the structure at the tip of the penis.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- The four stages of sexual response are: desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceCleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- An orgasm is a genital reflex governed by the nerves in the spinal cord and is experienced differently by women and men.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Once you understand the basic structure and function of relevant body parts, you will feel more in command of yourself and your fears about sexual activity.
3
Make a plan of action. Fear is often conquered by devising a plan of action.^{[7]XResearch source} Overcoming a fear of sex is no exception. Identify what your main objectives are, set up steps to take, and follow your plan.
- Make a list of the things you fear. Is your fear related to the possible sexual encounter you might have during a date? Therefore, does the thought of asking someone on a date scare you? Are you concerned with looking good, having bad breath, or sweating too much?
- Approach your dilemma one step at a time. For example, if you are afraid to ask someone on a date, start by first asking a stranger what time it is. Although you won't be asking the person on a date or to have a sexual encounter, you will gain experience approaching someone and asking them a question. This is the first step toward your goal.
- Working toward a solution will help lessen your fear. Creating a plan of action helps you feel like you can do something to improve your situation.
4
Practice. To overcome a fear of sex you need to gradually work your way through the process. Research indicates that overcoming a fear is aided when a person faces the fear in an imagined situation or a live experience. Developing a positive habit is the desired goal.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Learn how to please yourself. Determine what feels good to you by touching yourself, imagining an interaction with someone, or using sexual accessories designed to arouse.
- With a willing participant, build your experience over time in the areas of communicating your feelings, holding hands, kissing, massage, sexual touching and eventually intercourse. Do not pressure yourself into doing too much too soon. This may only add to the fear you are feeling.
5
Be open with your emotions. When communicating with someone you care about, be kind and caring and show them you are emotionally open. Sex is an emotional experience, so be mindful of this when speaking and when spoken to.^{[9]XResearch source}
- If you are physically or emotionally uncomfortable in any way, tell the person you are with and take the time you need to get to a place of comfort. For example, if you feel rushed or physically ill say, “I've got to stop right here. I'm not comfortable.”
- Avoid jumping into sexual situations before you and your partner feel ready. The results could be dangerous. You can still be emotionally open with someone and show discretion about how far you will allow yourself to be involved.
6
Remember to have fun. Sexual interactions are supposed to be enjoyable so relax and engage in the excitement of it all. Focusing on having fun will distract you from being fearful.
- Lightening the mood during a sexual encounter will allow you to feel free. For example, be playful and silly and laugh at yourself, or do something fun with your partner before engaging in sex, like playing a game or going out on a date.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source} This will set you both at ease.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Tackling a Man's Concerns

Download Article

1
Address your physical functioning. The human body is amazing. Yours is unique and needs to be taken care of so you will have confidence with your sexual abilities. Eating right, getting an appropriate amount of sleep, and exercising will help you maintain great health and a positive sense of yourself.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceHarvard Medical SchoolHarvard Medical School's Educational Site for the PublicGo to source}
- Certain drugs and alcohol can affect your physical functioning.^{[12]XResearch source} Avoid or limit them to eliminate lingering fear.
- If you do have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection, see a doctor who is specifically trained to manage these issues.
- Erectile dysfunction is usually attributed to a poor blood supply to the penis. Eating foods that promote good vascular health and following a healthy-heart related plan may help the condition. A diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains, fiber, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products is recommended.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Try to be safe when going out or engaging in sexual activity with someone you don't know well. Always make sure someone knows where you are when you're out alone with someone new.
2
Relax your expectations to improve performance. Placing undue pressure upon yourself does not work to your advantage. If you have a fear of not being able to perform and meet your partner's needs, then you must adjust your mindset.
- Always make sure you feel comfortable and ready to engage in sexual activity.
- Men are often conditioned to be competitive about many things in life, which isn't always healthy.^{[14]XResearch source} It becomes a problem when it causes you so much stress during a sexual encounter that you are more focused on “winning” than on enjoying each other's company. Being overly focused on winning indicates you seek high levels of external validation.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Shift your thinking toward the sharing aspects of your interaction. This will move your focus from yourself to the experience itself and your partner.
- Don't judge yourself. Your self-worth is not dependent upon your sexual performance. You are an entire person with many positive qualities and abilities. Don't let one aspect of your life define you.
- Write a list of some of your positive attributes, and how they benefit you and the people around you.
3
Improve your emotional vocabulary. It is a common struggle to figure out how you feel and communicate it clearly to someone. Frustration can set in when you don't know what you feel. You may be afraid of saying the wrong thing or not saying what you really mean.
- Start by writing about the feelings you are having.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterLeading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and researchGo to source} Writing helps to organize your thoughts about your fears and clarifies what you are feeling. Your writing doesn't have to be perfect. The important thing to do is to pull your emotions up from your subconscious to acknowledge them, and then you can process them.
- If there is something you want to tell someone, rehearse it ahead of time. Visualize yourself meeting with the person and having a good conversation.
- Don't feel pressured to give your feelings a label. You don't need to give everything a perfect name in order for it to be real. Perhaps you feel a little unsteady and a bit nervous and excited, but a little nauseous at the same time. This may translate to feeling love or infatuation for someone. It can be confusing.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Addressing a Woman's Concerns

Download Article

1
Make sure you are safe. Regardless of gender, sex is a vulnerable and potentially dangerous activity, but the vast majority of victims of sexual violence are female.^{[17]XTrustworthy SourceRape, Abuse, and Incest National NetworkLargest anti-sexual assault organization in the US providing support and advocacy for survivorsGo to source} Additionally, AFAB (assigned female at birth) people may have concerns about becoming pregnant.
- Make sure you feel comfortable and are ready for sexual activity.
- Always make sure someone knows where you are when there is a potential to engage in sexual activity with someone you don’t know well.
- Guard against pregnancy by using a form of birth control.
2
Don't compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others in a group can negatively affect self-esteem and influence you to act in ways you wouldn’t ordinarily.^{[18]XResearch source} This may include having sex before you’re ready.
- Your sexual development is a very personal and unique part of your life. It is your experience so you must take ownership of it. Don't allow others to negatively influence your decisions. You must learn to set boundaries with confidence, which can help fight off any fears you may have.
3
Assert your right to say, “no.” Sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking are very serious matters. As a woman, or anyone, try to be clear about your intentions when faced with a possible sexual encounter. When you say, “No!” and “Stop” it means “Stop!”^{[19]XResearch source}
- Look out for yourself as if you were looking out for your best friend. If you sense danger in any situation, always follow your intuition. Be comfortable with changing your plans, your mind, and those you date. Trust your instincts.
- The important thing to remember is you must trust the person you are with so you can make clear, well-informed decisions.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Seek Professional Help

Download Article

1
Find a therapist. If you are avoiding sexual contact and the thought of having sex causes you to feel excessive and unreasonable anxiety or panic, you should seek help from a professional therapist. This may be signs of a phobia rather than a normal fear response.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceHelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources.Go to source}
- The physical symptoms of a phobia include: sweating, shaking, feeling lightheaded, and having difficulty breathing. A counselor can help you manage these symptoms and the condition.
- See a therapist if you have sexual abuse in your history, which may hinder your enjoyment of sexual activity. Talking with a counselor and processing those traumas will lead to a positive relationship with others.
2
Learn relaxation techniques.When everyone relaxes, everyone benefits. Approaching an intimate situation with a sense of calm can stave off fear, and enhance your enjoyment.^{[21]XResearch source}
- Relaxation techniques include guided imagery, biofeedback, and breathing exercises. These will help you lower the stress and fear you feel. Use these techniques prior to interacting with someone.
- Guided imagery involves focusing on calming images and can be done by yourself or with help from a therapist.
- Biofeedback is a technique that trains you to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, which are associated with fear.
- Breathing exercises help to calm the nervous system associated with the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered when you feel fear.
- If fear takes hold of you when you are with someone in an intimate situation, pause and take a minute to breathe and tap into the relaxation skills you have learned.
3
Challenge your negative thoughts. Your thoughts affect your emotions. There is a tendency to overestimate the negative outcomes before you experience them, and underestimate your ability to cope with and manage a situation. These thoughts are imbalanced and need to be challenged.^{[22]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- For example, you are extremely nervous and afraid that you will throw up on your date when you are kissing. Challenge the thought by saying, “You cannot predict the future and you have never thrown up on anyone. If you feel nauseous, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. You can handle it.”
- You are stronger than you think. If you feel you lack adequate coping skills, you can take steps to improve them. For example, take notice of the way you effectively cope with another type of fear in your life and apply the same technique. Also, observe how someone you admire copes with difficult situations. Ask them for suggestions that you can implement.^{[23]XTrustworthy SourcePubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of HealthGo to source}
- Use positive self-talk to calm your thoughts and nerves. For example, if you feel your fear, anxiety or stress increase, tell yourself, “You are fine. This is going to be fun. You are not going to be embarrassed. Have a good time.”

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Don't be afraid to share your feelings with your partner. If you like something they do, let them know.
Thanks
Helpful3 Not Helpful1
Be smart when choosing a sexual partner. You need to trust the person and be certain you want to share that special part of yourself.
Thanks
Helpful3 Not Helpful1
Uncertainty increases fear. Your fear will lessen as you increase your sexual activity.
Thanks
Helpful4 Not Helpful3

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

If your partner doesn't even try to comfort you when you're struggling to cope with something you fear, they aren't worthy to be in your life.
Thanks
Helpful414 Not Helpful32
Never try to talk, guilt, pressure, force or manipulate someone into having sex when they do not want to engage. If someone tries to pressure you, set firm boundaries.
Thanks
Helpful13 Not Helpful0
Having anxiety toward sex is different from having a phobia, which is a more serious condition. Both conditions can be discussed with a professional therapist.
Thanks
Helpful10 Not Helpful1
Unprotected sex may lead to pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Take precaution and use condoms.
Thanks
Helpful9 Not Helpful2
An inability to get and maintain an erection may be the symptoms of a medical condition. Seek a medical consultation to address this issue.^{[24]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
Thanks
Helpful3 Not Helpful3