Exploring genophobia: the fear of sexual relations

Sexuality and being able to enjoy intimate relationships enrich your life. It also allows you to build satisfactory bonds and reinforce your self-esteem. Now there are those who suffer genophobia, a type of condition that causes intense fears of everything that has to do with sex. This is a clinical reality associated with an anxiety disorder.

It appears in both men and women and completely alters the sexual-affective level. They are experiences in which, although there are kisses and hugs, when the time comes to go further, the disturbing blockage and terrifying anguish arise. The mental universe is filled with unpleasant images that translate into panic. Below, we detail all the data.

Genophobia: definition, characteristics and causes

Genophobia is the irrational fear of sex and everything that has to do with physical intimacy. It should be noted that this is not a clinical condition described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). It is a type of specific phobia and, therefore, an anxiety problem characterized by disproportionate fears.

You will be interested to know that The fear of sex is a common experience in the population. The Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy conducted research on people between 14 and 60 years old and showed that 23.9% of adult women and 10.3% of men suffered from it. Now, phobic behavior is more than just a fear. Let’s first analyze its particularities.

Characteristics of fear of sexual relations

Specific phobias usually manifest themselves in different ways in each individual. In this way, those related to sex make up a large number of situations that are accompanied by paralyzing emotions and irrational ideas. We name them right away:

Somatic symptoms: It is common for them to suffer from dizziness, stomach upset, headaches, tremors, muscle tension, palpitations, sweating, breathing problems, etc.emotional symptoms: The closeness of a person who shows sexual interest always translates into intense fear and anguish. Disgust and terror also appear at the possibility of coming into contact with another body.Cognitive responses: The person with genophobia experiences extreme and very irrational ideas about what that sexual contact may mean. He thinks that he will suffer pain, that he will be exposed and experience great shame, etc. Additionally, they are uncomfortable with nudity.Behavioral symptoms: Avoidant behavior is the most frequent characteristic in this psychological condition, especially when exposed to situations of physical intimacy and sexual contact. Likewise, these experiences may lead to great nervousness, agitation and panic attacks.

Genophobia can have very debilitating effects. So much so that some people choose asexuality and convince themselves that they do not experience sexual attraction or interest—when this is not the case. However, choosing this way of life out of fear intensifies suffering and loneliness.

What are the associated causes?

As an article in the Folia Medica magazine highlights, the fear of sexual relations translates into aversive behaviors that cause great interpersonal distress. The psychosocial wear and tear is immense and can cause the breakdown of couple bonds. At this point you will wonder what is behind genophobia. Let’s delve into it.

body insecurity: dissatisfaction with one’s own body, the fear of being rejected and body dysmorphia are true Trojan horses when it comes to having satisfying and fulfilling sexual relationships.Fear of illness: It is very common for those who suffer from a specific phobia to suffer from others. In this case, an irrational fear of contracting venereal diseases, being in contact with viruses or bacteria, etc. is possible.Environmental conditions: Culture, religion and education shape and can integrate distorted ideas about sex and sexuality. So much so that there are those who develop a phobia of something as natural as sex.Sexual performance anxiety: Genophobia is also explained by that irrational fear of not being up to par during sexual intercourse. The fear of not giving enough pleasure to the other or appearing inexperienced defines another trigger.Sexual traumas: childhood abuse, rape, etc. Such experiences often translate into fear of sex. The Journal of Child Sexual Abuse tells us in an article that, although women are more frequently victims of these events, there are men who suffered such experiences in childhood, but do not talk about it.Medical conditions: There are many people with untreated sexual dysfunctions. Erection problems and vaginismus are examples of this. A work published in the Journal of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy specifies that there are psychological factors behind this last condition. Addressing them is the best way to deactivate phobias.

How is sex phobia treated?

When treating fear of sexual relations, an adequate psychological diagnosis will always be started. It is crucial to identify the cause to choose the most effective approach. Thus, if there is an underlying sexual trauma, it is essential to take that clinical reality into account. Let us analyze, however, the most appropriate therapeutic approaches.

1. Brief-strategic therapy

Giorgio Nardone’s brief-strategic therapy is one of the most useful for treating phobias, anxiety disorders and obsessions. In this case, the therapist focuses on getting the patient to identify the dysfunctional patterns of thinking and behavior that maintain the problem.

The objective is to give the person tools to change that reality through specific solutions. The main advantage that this model offers is that it seeks to achieve tangible results in a shorter period of time than other forms of therapy.

2. Cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure

Currently, When it comes to treating specific phobias, cognitive-behavioral therapy is increasingly used along with virtual reality. This allows the person with genophobia to expose themselves to their fears through this innovative resource. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine highlights its interesting benefits.

It should be noted that the cognitive-behavioral model is one of the most effective. It helps you shape healthier patterns of thought and behavior, providing you with tools for emotional management, relaxation and skills training.

3. EMDR therapy for trauma

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a technique that is used frequently and with great effectiveness to treat trauma. In this case, if the sex phobia stems from one or more traumatic experiences, this approach is very useful to address said experience and integrate it little by little so that the person regains control of their life.

4. Pharmacological approach

If the doctor or psychiatrist evaluates it, treatment with anxiolytics and/or antidepressants will be recommended. for a certain time. This will alleviate the symptoms associated with the specific phobia and will also facilitate the psychotherapeutic process itself.

The phobia of sexual intimacy limits your life

It is possible that you identify with everything described. If so, we must tell you that there are many people who experience the present sex phobia. And this psychological reality completely conditions those who suffer from it. Because Living in fear, whatever it may be, limits your well-being, self-image, and ability to build satisfying relationships.

We encourage you, therefore, to request specialized help. Do not feel worried or embarrassed about talking about this problem, there are effective therapeutic resources that can help you. You deserve to enjoy those moments of intimacy with your partner, without anguish, without avoiding again and again the opportunity to feel good; to be yourself.

You might be interested…