Sex aversion disorder: symptoms, causes and treatment.
We review the characteristics of this disorder, and its differences with sex phobia.
On most occasions we relate sex with the experience of pleasure and pleasant and satisfying sensations. However, in some people this feeling is diametrically opposed. These are the cases of aversion to sex disorder.a type sexual dysfunction by which the person experiences a strong response of repugnance or repulsion to the sex in general or to certain conducts or concrete sexual practices.
What is sex aversion disorder?
Also known under the diagnosis of persistent sexual refusal, sex aversion disorder is considered to be a type of sexual dysfunction in which a constant or recurrent aversion to any type of sexual contact is experienced.. Sufferers manifest a clear aversion to sex, which leads them to avoid sexual contact, especially genital contact, with another person.
In addition, sex aversion disorder differs from other sexual disorders in that it generates repulsion, high levels of anxiety and states of panic in the person, who experiences them at theThe person experiences them at the possibility of any type of sexual activity.
This feeling of rejection can occur both at the idea of performing sexual behaviors or relationships in general, as well as at specific sexual practices such as oral sex or masturbation.
The incidence of sex aversion disorder is much higher in women. than in men and usually represents between 3 and 4% of the reasons for consultation in relation to sexual dysfunctions. It is therefore considered an infrequent alteration of sexual behavior.
However, in those cases in which the aversion to sex turns out to be very serious, the person who suffers from it can go so far as not to relate to any person who could be a potential sexual partner or to break a sentimental relationship when this gives way to the beginning of sexual relations.
Types of sex aversion
There are different types of sex aversion disorder. Although they all have in common the feeling of rejection and repugnance towards sex and active avoidance behaviors against any type of sexual contact, they differ in terms of the time of onset and the range or level of affectation.
1. Primary sexual aversion
This first type of aversion to sex refers to those cases in which the person has felt a rejection of sex throughout his or her life.. Most of these cases are closely associated with victims of childhood sexual abuse.
2. Secondary sexual aversion
In these cases the person has come to live their sexuality without any difficulty. However, as a result of some experience or situation he/she develops, gradually or suddenly, this aversion disorder. Usually this rejection to sex usually appears in response to a situation of sexual abuse or rape..
3. Generalized aversion
In this case the classification is not based on when the disorder appears, but rather on the degree of affectation it presents. In generalized aversion, the person experiences behaviors of repugnance and aversion to sex regardless of the partner or persons with whom he/she engages in them.
4. Situational aversion
In situational aversion, on the other hand, the person manifests a rejection of sex with certain specific people or with his or her partner. This disorder This disorder usually causes numerous conflicts and difficulties within the couple relationship of the affected person. of the affected person.
What symptoms does it manifest?
As indicated in previous points, the main symptomatology that appears in the disorder by aversion to sex is related to feelings of repulsion and anxiety.. These symptoms appear due to a hyperactivation of the central nervous system, which gives rise to a series of physical changes and alterations such as the following:
- Increased Heart rate..
- Increased sweating.
- Muscular tension.
- Anguish crisis..
- Fainting spells.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- sensation of suffocation or lack of air.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
As for the behavioral symptoms, the person can carry out different behaviors aimed at avoiding all types of situations or people with whom there is a risk of initiating some type of sexual contact.
These behaviors range from the abandonment of body hygiene or excessive involvement in any other type of activities that allow the person to have an excuse for not having sexual relations.
Differences between this aversion disorder and sex phobia
Although both the physical and behavioral symptomatology of sex aversion disorder is similar to that of a sex phobia, there are significant differences in terms of the cognitive symptoms or feelings that the person experiences in relation to sex.
The main distinguishing feature is that whereas in aversion disorder the emotions are related to repulsion and disgust, in phobia, the person experiences an excessive, irrational and persistent fear of sexual behaviors. to sexual behaviors.
That is to say, aversion to sex is associated with other types of emotions different from fear and is usually provoked by specific aspects of sexual relations such as secretions or penetration or by specific people. While sexual phobia consists of an experience of extreme fear towards sex in general.
What are the causes?
Although the main cause of sex aversion disorder lies in the manifestation of a negative attitude towards sex, these attitudes can have various foundations or origins.
In aversions of the primary type there is usually a basis related to a deficient sexual education. or excessively rigid and restrictive, which considers sex as a noxious, harmful or pernicious act. Sometimes, people brought up in very strict religious environments may have been educated under the belief that sex is something sinful, impure or indecent, hence the development of aversion.
As for secondary aversions, these tend to be related to traumatic experiences in relation to sex. Experiences of sexual abuse, rape or the pressure that the partner may exert to maintain some type of sexual activity are the germ of secondary aversion to sex disorder.
Is there a treatment?
Because it is a psychological condition, cognitive-behavioral interventionswhich include systematic desensitization techniques, have been found to be highly effective in the treatment of sex aversion disorder. However, there are other psychodynamic treatments that, although they require more time, can also be effective.
Thanks to these treatments, people suffering from sex aversion disorder can see their symptoms diminish and even remit completely, offering them the possibility of leading a normal sexual life.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)