Sexual Anorexia: What is it? – healthmag.gr

If you lack the desire to have sex with others, hate intimacy, or even go out of your way to avoid social interactions – you may be suffering from sexual anorexia. This condition can occur due to sexual assault or other trauma, in combination with other mental disorders, hormonal imbalances or even secondary side effects of medication.

Sexual aversion disorder (sexual anorexia) is recognized as a medical condition and can have both emotional and underlying health factors.

Sexual anorexia: what is it?

Sexual anorexia or sexual aversion disorder refers to a mental health condition defined by a chronic or repeated aversion and avoidance of all genital contact with a sexual partner. One receives such a diagnosis if there is no underlying mental or physical illness that explains the reluctance to have sex. However, sexual anorexia is more than just a lack of desire for sexual intimacy.

Anorexia usually refers to a condition characterized by loss of appetite. Usually, one equates appetite with diet and nutrition. However, sexual anorexia could be indicated by lack of appetite or desire for social intimacy, sexual intercourse or even a deep aversion or aversion to anything sexual.

Sexual anorexia can be a state of being or a short period imposed by a loved one who stays late at work to avoid contact or is too critical of someone, stifling the desire for intimacy. Sexual anorexia can be a permanent condition or a passing phase.

Is this an obsessive compulsive disorder?

The simple answer is maybe. People with avoidant behaviors may do this to the point of exaggeration and there may be an obsessive-compulsive component to the actions. It may be unintentional, it may be minimal for some. Conversely, in others, avoiding intimacy can consume their lives.

Symptoms of sexual anorexia

People who are anxious about sexual and social intimacy may prefer solitude to socializing. It can refusing social invitations and feigning illness or changing jobs frequently to prevent meeting others or letting others know them.

You may be suffering from sexual anorexia if you experience one or more of the following:

• Constant fear of sexual activity
• You are obsessed with or afraid of getting pregnant
• Obsess or fear sexually transmitted diseases
• Avoid intimacy
• Avoid sex
• You have a distorted body image
• You have a hatred for typical sexual bodily signs and functions
• You suffer from depression about sexual ability
• You have performance anxiety
• You are obsessed with the sexual activity of others
• Avoid everything related to sex

Causes of sexual anorexia

People may develop an aversion to sexual thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and even activity. Sometimes people who avoid forms of intimacy don’t just do it in the bedroom, they can also avoid daily social or emotional activities;

Potential risk factors for sexual anorexia

People with sexual anorexia they may not have obvious triggers in their history or they may have certain risk factors that predispose them to the condition. People with a history of the following may be more prone to sexual anorexia:

• Drug abuse
• Rape
• Hormonal imbalances
• Child abuse or neglect
• Sexual rejection
• Sexual exploitation
• Religious beliefs or cultural attitudes that stigmatize sexual desires
• Excessive exposure to porn

Extras factors that may contribute to sexually aversive behaviors include exhaustion, recent childbirth, breastfeeding, communication challenges, fear of rejection, fear of judgment, or medications that may cause a decrease in libido or increase the risk of depression or anxiety.

Treatment options

Talk to a doctor about your sexual frustrations, fears, anxieties, and concerns. Work with a general therapist or a therapist who specializes in sexual concerns to help you move forward. If the cause is not identified, therapy and working on activities that do not enhance sexual relationships can help bridge the gap and act as a springboard to discover why vulnerability and closeness are so fleeting.