Sexual Aversion Disorder Sexual Disorder

Sexual Aversion Disorder Information

A person who actively avoids and has a persistent or recurrent extreme aversion to genital sexual contact with a sexual partner may have sexual aversion disorder. Sexual aversion disorder is typically classified as a subcategory of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSSD) and is often confused with a lack of sexual desire. It is a dysfunction characterized by extreme dislike and avoidance of sexual activities.

Sexual aversion disorder is characterized not only by a lack of desire, but also by fear, revulsion, disgust, or similar emotions when the person with the disorder engages in genital contact with a partner.

Causes of Sexual Aversion Disorder

There are a number of causes of sexual aversion disorder. The most common causes are interpersonal problems and traumatic experiences. Physical causes of this problem may originate in the hormonal regulation. Sexual violence, during childhood or at a later age, is often the cause of sexual aversion.

Symptoms of Sexual Aversion Disorder

The symptoms of sexual aversion disorder can range from mild to severe.The aversion must result in significant distress for the individual and is not better accounted for by another disorder or physical diagnosis. Mild symptoms include lack of interest and mild disgust.

Sexual Aversion Disorder Treatment and Medication

Typical treatment would involve discovering and resolving underlying conflict or life difficulties. As with diagnosis, treatment of sexual aversion disorder is difficult, largely because patients are often resistant to discussing the disorder. At this time, treatment consists of referral to a psychologist or sexologist for desensitization therapy. Medications can be used to treat some symptoms that may be associated with sexual aversion disorder, such as panic attacks, if they are severe enough to be causing additional distress.

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