How to move on after anxiety?

[nic2342]

After my girlfriend and I had sex, I began having anxiety due to a fear of STD's and HIV. I know she doesn't have any STD's but I constantly worry about it. She wants to have sex but idk what to tell her and how to tell her I can't. What should I do? I don't want her to leave me.

[Paxiled]

I think you should consider therapy with a psychologist who specializes in anxiety treatment -- most don't.  I mean, if you're at the point where you're scared to have sex, you need help.  I don't think you're at a point where you need medication, but your psychologist can counsel you on this when you get going on therapy.  Don't let this become a chronic problem whatever you choose to do, but do try and find a way to stop thinking this way.  

[nic2342]

Do you think that treating my anxiety will help with the constant fear of hiv? I consistently obsess with "what if" I infected someone else like my girlfriend or the other people I care about around me, this leads to guilt although I am very educated on how HIV is passed I can't remove the thoughts from my head. And I constantly think I'm at risk or putting others at risk. I feel like I'm stuck in a cycle and the only way out is to isolate myself.

[Paxiled]

This is what therapy will help you with if you find the right therapist.  You'll see how your thinking has gotten to a point where you're making yourself unhappy.

[specialmom]

What about treating your anxiety?  This would make sense to me.  Anxiety is treatable.  Medication is very effective and best suited to be given in conjunction with talk therapy.  So this is the path that would probably solve this issue the best.  good luck