You may have heard someone say they have ‘intimacy issues’. It’s a phrase that can be overused, and some people might not be that serious when they say it.
You may have heard someone say they have ‘intimacy issues’. It’s a phrase that can be overused, and some people might not be that serious when they say it.
But some people do have a real and intense fear of sex and sexual intimacy. So read on to find out more about this phobia of sex, what might cause it and how it can be treated.
Fear of sex is a ‘phobia’ and it’s also known as ‘genophobia’ or ‘erotophobia’. People with genophobia can have a fear of sexual intercourse or of any type of sexual behaviour.
Other phobias that are sometimes related include:
A phobia is much more extreme than simply not liking something. It’s a strong fear or dread, which is out of proportion to reality.
You’ll have an exaggerated feeling of danger about the ‘triggering’ event or thing – in this case, sex. This unrealistic sense of fear is considered a phobia if it lasts for more than 6 months.
A phobia is thought of as a type of
. You might not get symptoms unless you come into contact with your phobia (sex). But for some people, just thinking about it can cause anxiety and panic.Physical symptoms of a phobia can include:
Psychological symptoms of a phobia can include:
These symptoms can be very unpleasant, so it’s understandable that if you have a phobia, you may start to try to avoid having to face your fear.
With genophobia, this means avoiding situations that might lead to sex or sexual behaviour. But as well as having a big impact on your life, avoiding your fears can actually make them worse.
Often, it’s not easy to pinpoint the exact cause of a phobia, including fear of sex.
Phobias may be caused by several different factors, including physical or emotional issues. There’s no definitive ‘genophobia test’.
But the following things may play a part in developing a fear of sex:
There are several things you can do to help yourself cope with your fear of sex. Many people find these things helpful when dealing with phobias, but bear in mind that some of them might not be right for you. You could try:
Everyone’s different, and we all manage our problems in different ways. Some people find it difficult to decide to get help for a phobia.
But fear of sex can have a big impact on your life. It may affect your relationships and cause feelings of loneliness or depression.
It can be very difficult to deal with a phobia on your own, so you might decide it’s time to get professional help.
Your doctor will be able to give you a proper assessment and recommend suitable treatment options. This may include:
Remember: almost all phobias are treatable. Recognising your fear and asking for help is the first step towards overcoming it.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.