Hello :)

[Mr.Jazz]

I'm a 21 year old male and have been suffering with GAD for the past few years. However, some periods I worry obsessively worry about a topic (ex: that I may be diagnosed with a brain tumor or cancer at any moment). I spend a period (typically a couple of months worrying excessively to the point where I get panic attacks, and after a couple of months, this obsession mysteriously disappears as mysteriously as it appeared. However, recently I have started worrying about something different.

I am now in my first long time relationship and am consistently worried that any form of sexual activity (regardless of whether it is foreplay or something as harmless as dry humping) will result in pregnancy. I am aware of basic biology and what has to happen in order for pregnancy to occur, but I simply cannot shake the feeling that a pregnancy will occur from relatively harmless safe sex activities. I originally wrote a longer post but decided to edit it all out :(

I am still not sure whether making an account here and posting here is a mistake, but am willing to try anything for this horrible feeling to subside. It is also important to state that this does not happen every time but happens approximately 70% of the time. Is there anything that I can try which may help my anxiety to subside? Thank you and sorry for the long post.

[annemieke87]

Hi Mr. Jazz. Welcome! Posting here is never a mistake. I was wondering what happens in the other 30%? And how is your partner responding on you anxiety?

[Mr.Jazz]

During the other 30%, i manage to convince myself ( after repetitive questioning to my partner whether things pose a risk, regardless her repeated "no's" ) that my fears are irrational and pregnancy could not possibly occur this way. During the remaining 70%, i live in constant fear that she may have become pregnant even though we did not have sex. I'm constantly plagued with "what if" questions.

The " abstenince only sex ed" i was tought in school certainly did not help.

My girlfriend, though clearly exhausted from the constant ridiculous questions and from watching me constantly worrued and in doubt has always been supportive of me and constantly reminds me that i can overcome this, and constantly tries to help me through it. However this is a topic that i can only discuss with her as i cannot discuss this with family members because of the topic's sexual nature abd cannot discuss this with friends due to the stigma ( me being a guy and afraid to engage in sexual activities ( not sex ) ).

[annemieke87]

So you can manage to convince yourself in the 30%. If you choose therapy, you can make this 30% more. I am glad your girlfriend is so supportive. I understand that topics which are sexual related are hard to discuss with friends or family. But maybe you can try to find a therapist you can talk to. You can work on your issues yourself, without getting your girlfriend exhausted. Good luck!