Elite athletes feel activation before competition. Sexual athletes are no different. The difference between choke and clutch is often labeling and attention control.
Protocol: (1) Name the sensation without judgment. (2) Reappraise — 'my body is preparing.' (3) Anchor to process cues (breath, partner's eyes, tempo) not outcome cues.
Train this under low stakes first: deliberately practice with a 'scrimmage' mindset where the only score is honest effort and communication.
If anxiety is persistent, pervasive, or tied to trauma, pause athletic framing and use professional mental health resources. Training is not therapy.