Sexual
Effects of Anxiety During Pregnancy
For sexually active
people, pregnancy anxiety might be an actual problem. People of all sexes
discussed how pregnancy worry negatively impacted their sex lives in my therapy
room even before the recent political happenings abolishing Roe. For instance,
some claim that it suppresses their libido. This isn't unexpected because
anxiety often outweighs sexual desire, causing people to concentrate on their
anxieties rather than the pleasure of being touched. Even if a woman is
consciously interested in having sex, pregnancy worry can cause her pelvic
floor muscles to unconsciously constrict, preventing penetrative sex. Pregnancy
anxiety can result in sexless relationships in these ways. Similar to how some
men report their inability to ejaculate while being able to keep an erection
due to pregnancy fear of their partner's interior. It serves as an impetus for
vasectomies for certain people.
The overturn of Roe may
be a major reason for people to change and/or diversify their sexual habits,
even if they are not conscious of their pregnancy anxiety. Interesting societal
trends indicate that fewer people have been engaging in sex during the past few
decades. Additionally, people are spending more time on their devices while
dating less and socializing less than in the past. The #MeToo movement and our
growing understanding of the crucial value of sexual consent have brought to
light how hazardous sex can be, which may affect people's desire for sexual
connection. All of this is taking place while technology develops, expanding
the variety of thrilling and original solo sexual experiences available in
people's beds. Sex technology is already more arousing than sexual partners in
several aspects.
Of course, having a close
relationship with a human companion is excellent. However, it would seem
natural that the Roe decision's repeal will prompt many people to reconsider
the advantages of penile-vaginal sex, at least in red states. If they are
worried about their fertility, the majority of these people already use birth
control to reduce their risk of becoming pregnant. But because of this
additional risk, if birth control doesn't work, a woman loses control over her
body and her destiny. In light of this, whether or not people are cognizant of
pregnancy anxiety, Roe will probably inspire them to find alternative avenues
of sexual fulfillment.
Thus, it would make sense
that people's sexual lives would evolve and become less conventional in many
states. People today have a lot more possibilities for exciting and intense
sexual experiences that don't require penile-vaginal penetration than they did
50 years ago when abortion was prohibited. A form of sex education that was
previously unavailable to most people has been made available through porn.
Different sex acts that formerly weren't spoken about in public have been
accepted as a result. The post-Roe enthusiasts of today will probably make use
of this recent information.
Oral and anal sex are
likely the most obvious substitutes for penile-vaginal sex. For those who want
to engage in intense sex play while maintaining their virginity and/or avoiding
the chance of becoming pregnant, these are already proven and true alternatives
to sexual activity. But there are risks associated with these techniques as
well. For instance, an increase in oral intercourse is correlated with an
increase in oral malignancies brought on by HPV infections.
In addition, research
indicates that more same-sex play is being used in creative sex practices. As
it permits personal touch without the risk of pregnancy or the potential of
being coerced to undergo penile-vaginal penetration, this alternative might
become even more alluring.
Finally, individuals may
choose to masturbate, which is arguably the most risk-free form of sex. The
simplicity, effectiveness, and pleasure of self-gratification may grow even
more alluring, especially when sex technology offers novel and potent solo-sex
experiences.
In conclusion, people
will probably report experiencing more pregnancy anxiety as a result of the
elevated risks of pregnancy in some areas. As a result, many people's sexual
lives may become more inventive and creative as they seek out sexual
experiences free from the possibility of becoming pregnant. Sex occurs inside a
setting.