Sexuality is a complex part of human identity that contains a range of experiences and emotions.
However, engaging in sexual activity can trigger intense feelings of aversion and discomfort in some individuals.
This condition is known as Sexual Aversion Disorder.
Sexual Aversion Disorder can impact an individual’s emotional well-being and relationships.
Let us explore more about Sexual Aversion Disorder, its symptoms, and potential treatment options.
What is Sexual Aversion Disorder
Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition where a person constantly feels an intense aversion (dislike) or disgust towards sexual activities.
People with this disorder may experience strong negative emotions, Anxiety, or fear in response to sexual situations.
The two types of Sexual Aversion Disorder are:
- Lifelong Sexual Aversion Disorder
- Acquired Sexual Aversion Disorder
Lifelong SAD is when a person experiences sexual aversion irrespective of the person they meet or relationship they are in.
Whereas, Acquired SAD is when a person experiences sexual aversion due to a particular person or the relationship they are in.
One should not confuse Sexual Aversion Disorder with low libido, as they both are different terms. Low libido is a symptom of SAD.
A study states that Sexual Aversion Disorder is more common in women than men.
SAD may affect the person’s ability to engage in sexual activities, and they often avoid intimacy.
Symptoms of Sexual Aversion Disorder
Source: tommaso79_from_Getty_ImagesThere are many symptoms that may help in identifying Sexual Aversion Disorder.
However, the symptoms of Sexual Aversion Disorder can vary in different individuals.
The SAD symptoms include:
- Avoid any situation that may lead to sexual activity
- Low libido or sexual desire
- Anxiety and panic from the thought of sexual activities
- Nausea or disgust from the idea of physical contact
- Negative emotions like guilt, shame, anger, or sadness
SAD symptoms may impact relationships, intimacy, and emotional well-being.
Consult a doctor to discuss your symptoms if you have any medical concerns.
Recommended read: Low libido is a common symptom of Sexual Aversion Disorder. Learn how to treat it: Low Libido in Women: Prevalence, Causes, and Treatment
Sexual Aversion Disorder treatment
There are many treatment options present to help with Sexual Aversion Disorder.
Understanding the causes of SAD may help in making the treatment more effective.
The causes of Sexual Aversion Disorder may include past traumatic experiences, negative beliefs about sex, religious factors, or other psychological issues.
SAD may also lead to a decrease in sex hormones like estrogen and adrenal androgens.
Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory, University of Texas, states that Sexual Aversion Disorder is similar to Anxiety Disorder.
It also states the treatment options like systematic desensitization, psychological treatment, and medical treatment to help with SAD.
Let us explore the treatment options in detail.
Systematic desensitization
Systematic desensitization involves organized steps to become more comfortable with sexual thoughts and activities over time.
This method involves creating a list of sexual activities according to the level of Anxiety they cause.
The patient is then slowly exposed to the activities of the list in a doctor’s care.
The process continues until the patient does not feel intense Anxiety about a particular activity.
Psychological treatment
Dealing with the psychological causes of SAD, like Anxiety and Depression, may help deal with the problem.
Many therapy and counseling options are available to help with Sexual Aversion Disorder.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and emotions related to sex.
One can also try couples therapy if the disorder is impacting your relationship.
Psychological treatment may help in learning about the cause of the problem and coping strategies.
Medical treatment
Source: pixelshotSome medications may help with the effective treatment of SAD.
However, most of these medications may commonly be prescribed to people with other Anxiety Disorders.
Some Anxiety and Depression medicines like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) may help with the disorder.
Medicines like Lovegra may help with low libido in women, a Sexual Aversion Disorder Symptom.
However, low libido in men may also be due to Erectile Dysfunction. Medicines like Viagra, Cialis, and more can help with the problem.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicine as it may cause side effects.
One may also try a combination of psychological and medical treatment to help with the disorder.
Key Takeaways
Sexual Aversion Disorder (SAD) is a psychological condition where a person constantly feels an intense dislike towards sexual activities.
The symptoms of Sexual Aversion Disorder include avoiding any sexual activity, low sexual desire, Anxiety and nausea from physical contact, and more.
The symptoms may vary in each person according to the causes of the disorder.
The causes of sexual aversion disorder may include past trauma, negative beliefs about sex, religious factors, or other psychological issues.
Understanding the causes helps in making the treatment more effective.
The treatment options include systematic desensitization, psychological treatment, and medical treatment to help with SAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between Sexual Aversion Disorder and an asexual person?
Yes, Sexual Aversion Disorder is different from being asexual. Sexual Aversion Disorder is a psychological condition where an individual experiences a dislike towards sexual activities.
However, being asexual refers to a sexual orientation where an individual does not experience sexual attraction to anyone but may still have romantic relationships.
How do I know if I have Sexual Aversion Disorder?
The symptoms of Sexual Aversion Disorder include avoiding any sexual activity, low sexual desire, Anxiety and nausea from physical contact, and more. Consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis of the condition.
How do you stop Sexual Aversion?
Many treatment options, like systematic desensitization, psychological treatment, and medical treatment, may help with SAD. However, one cannot stop Sexual Aversion but can make the condition better by consulting a doctor and following the suggested treatment.
What causes sexual aversion?
The causes of sexual aversion disorder may include past traumatic experiences, negative beliefs about sex, religious factors, or other psychological issues.
How long does it take to recover from Sexual Aversion Disorder?
There is no specific time period to recover from the disorder. One should follow a doctor’s recommendations to see the best results.
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