By Dr. Shyam Mithiya , Sexology
Sexual aversion is a condition in which a person faces extreme aversion, fear or lack of desire for sexual contact with his/her partner. Aversion may take different forms which might repel you from sexual intercourse with your partner. This might include body odour of the partner or sight of the partner’s genitals. A person with sexual aversion disorder may avoid any form of sexual contact, or may enjoy kissing and caressing, but withdraw when it comes to genital contact.
Sexual aversion disorder can be classified under four categories:
1. Lifelong: It is the condition in which sexual aversion develops during the onset of puberty.
2. Acquired: Aversion may occur after normal sexual functioning.
3. Situational: Aversion occurs only with a specific partner or under specific conditions.
4. Generalized: Aversion occurs with any partner under all circumstances.
What are the causes of sexual aversion?
Sexual aversion may occur, either as a combined result of physical and psychological factors or solely due to psychological factors.
Causes of sexual aversion include:
1. Interpersonal problems between couples
Such problems may be specific to a partner or a circumstance. These may include conditions where intercourse was once enjoyed, but no more desired.
2. Past experience of trauma
Possible conditions of trauma include rape, molestation or sexual abuse that may associate intercourse with a painful memory.
3. Religious or cultural values
Sometimes, a person may link intercourse with guilt, because of religious or cultural issues.
What are the symptoms of sexual aversion?
Symptoms can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms can include:
1. Disgust
2. Lack of interest.
Severe symptoms may include panic attacks which may include symptoms such as:
1. Shortness of breath,
2. Rapid heartbeat
3. Dizziness
4. Intense fear
Treatments for sexual aversion:
Treatments for sexual aversion usually include psychotherapy and marital counselling. For severe cases, medications may be provided to avoid complications which cause additional stress.
