How to handle it — sex, performance & your head
Practical, no-shame moves for when things aren't working.
You've lost it or can't get there, and the panic's making it worse.
— Right now
- Take the pressure off — sex isn't a pass/fail test. Slow down, no rush.
- Anxiety is the enemy of an erection. The more you panic, the harder it gets.
- Shift to other stuff — closeness and touch without the goal. Pressure off often fixes it.
— Don't
- Don't power through in a spiral of panic. Ease off and reconnect.
— Later
- One off night is normal and means nothing. Don't build it into a story.
You've lost it or can't get there, and the panic's making it worse.
— Right now
- Take the pressure off — sex isn't a pass/fail test. Slow down, no rush.
- Anxiety is the enemy of an erection. The more you panic, the harder it gets.
- Shift to other stuff — closeness and touch without the goal. Pressure off often fixes it.
— Don't
- Don't power through in a spiral of panic. Ease off and reconnect.
— Later
- One off night is normal and means nothing. Don't build it into a story.
Sex & your head: the short version
- 1.It's not a test — take the pressure off, slow down.
- 2.Anxiety is the enemy of an erection.
- 3.One off night means nothing.
- 4.Low drive is rarely about your partner.
- 5.Persistent issues? See your GP — it's smart, not soft.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14