You’ve probably heard the saying “stress causes horniness.” And while it’s said mostly as a joke, there might be some truth to it. After all, stress is a major libido killer. So it stands to reason that anxiety, which is basically stress on steroids, could have a similar effect. But can anxiety really cause horniness? Let’s take a closer look.
Anxiety and Libido: The Link Explained
There’s actually a scientific reason why stress can lead to a low libido. When you’re stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode. This causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which in turn suppresses the production of testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for both sexual desire and erectile function, so it’s no surprise that when it’s in short supply, your sex drive takes a hit.
But cortisol isn’t the only hormone that plays a role in sexual desire; there’s also dopamine. Dopamine is sometimes referred to as the “pleasure hormone” because it’s involved in all sorts of feel-good activities, including sex. So when you’re feeling anxious, your dopamine levels might drop, which can also lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Can Anxiety Really Cause Horniness?
So can anxiety really cause horniness? While there’s no definitive answer, it’s certainly possible. If you find yourself feeling extra frisky when you’re stressed out, it might be because anxiety is boosting your dopamine levels and giving you a temporary boost in libido. Of course, this effect is usually short-lived; once the anxiety passes, so does the increase in sexual desire.
Conclusion: While there’s no definitive answer, it’s certainly possible that anxiety can cause horniness. If you find yourself feeling extra frisky when you’re stressed out, it might be because anxiety is boosting your dopamine levels and giving you a temporary boost in libido. Of course, this effect is usually short-lived; once the anxiety passes, so does the increase in sexual desire.
