What is genophobia? Who can have it? You’ve probably heard or read something about phobias. In this Psychology-Online article, you will be able to learn about a relatively new term, used to refer to an alteration with the potential to affect both men and women and for different causes. And the development of this phobia depends more on the subjective experiences of each person than on other factors, like almost everything in the area of human sexuality.
It should be noted that this phobia does not prevent or make it difficult to feel desire or attraction towards someone, but it does obstruct the quality of the sexual life of these people. On the other hand, it is not the only phobia related to the sexual area, however, it is the one that will be addressed on this occasion. Keep reading to find out Symptoms, causes and treatment of genophobia or fear of intercourse.
Meaning of genophobia
It is known as “genophobia” excessive and/or irrational fear that a person has towards having sexual relations, especially, intercourse. That this condition has the word “phobia” in it is an indicator that it is a pathological condition. This is because the exercise of the complete sexual act is a human need that, in addition to reproduction or serving as an instrument, has the inherent intention of enjoyment and pleasure, then, by achieving the opposite result (pathological anxiety, fear, rejection , suffering…) is considered a pathology.
Intercourse should be enjoyed not only biologically, but emotionally and psychologically. This is mentioned in view of the fact that, since it is a phobia, The discomfort is not only physical but also emotional and psychological..
Symptoms of genophobia
All phobias share some symptoms. The symptoms of genophobia or fear of intercourse are the same as those that occur in other phobias regarding specific objects or circumstances. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Excessive sweating
- Tingling sensation in some parts of the body (hands, face…)
- Feeling of drowning/to be choked
- Feeling of suffocation
- Palpitations
- Dry mouth
- Fear
- Crisis of panic
As it is genophobia, these symptoms could appear not only at the precise moment of penetration, but also in situations that involve, from any angle, the coital experience. That is, from a conversation about the sexual act, to erotic caresses and actions with a sexual connotation, since it is expected that all these types of circumstances will lead to intercourse.
It is inferred that people who develop this condition have a tendency to choose asexuality as a lifestyle, since this would significantly reduce the pressure of being involved in sexual situations. However, they run the risk of developing other comorbid pathologies, such as depression, because physiologically and psychologically they would not be providing the body with the benefits and benefits of an active sexual life.
Causes of genophobia
There appears to be no single or specific cause of fear of intercourse identified so far. The usual cause of phobias is usually a traumatic experience. Although it is also suggested that there are causing factors such as:
- Conditions that cause painthis would motivate the person to avoid sex and even develop aversion, in this type of case the genito-pelvic pain disorder could be considered, cited in the DSM – V.
- Some kind of dysfunction that prevents intercourse from developing normally and causes discomfort, such as the erectile disorder indicated in the same manual (DSM-V).
- Traumatic experiences Previous thoughts regarding the sexual act can create the basis for generating fear of relationships.
- Lack of information about sexuality It also influences the development of fear of penetration.
That is to say, genophobia in itself not only represents a problem, but it can generate another pathology and may be arising as a result of other untreated or unknown alterations by the person who suffers from it. It is extremely important to visit specialists in the area of health and/or mental health with tools to identify, diagnose and treat this and any other type of phobia. In this article you will see.
Treatment of fear of relationships
Through the professional treatment required depending on the case, the specialists will provide all the techniques indicated in these situations. Similar to the case of many other disorders, it is considered that genophobia should be addressed by a multidisciplinary team trained to identify the scope and treatment of said condition. Sometimes, depending on the diagnosis and prognosis of the specialists in charge, it will be necessary to implement psychotherapy in conjunction with pharmacological therapy.
The most efficient psychotherapeutic techniques used in phobias, in general terms, are cognitive behavioral.
If you or someone you know is experiencing this type of situation, the best thing you can do is consult with a certified specialist. It is suggested to take into account that genophobia could be confused with other types of phobias also involved in the development of the sexual act.
On the other hand, being a type of phobia, it is necessary to highlight that its treatment corresponds in a similar way to that applied in anxiety disorders since phobias represent a form of anxiety. So to deal with this anxious state and thus reduce genophobia, it is recommended to practice the following techniques:
- Progressive muscle relaxation: This consists of closing your eyes, taking deep and slow breaths while becoming aware of your own body, of the present moment while doing contraction and relaxation exercises for certain muscle groups.
- Breathing exercises: There is a range of breathing and relaxation techniques from which you can choose the one that best suits you, in essence, these techniques serve to help you focus on the here and now through conscious breathing that leads to relaxation . It is one of the best tools for anxiety. At the end of the article, you will find a guided relaxation video.
- Stopping thought: This technique is simple and seeks to recognize the automatic thoughts typical of phobias, since they are usually negative. It is about giving a strong clap every time you identify one of those thoughts in order to stop them and study them, since these thoughts are usually, in addition to being automatic, catastrophic, and by calmly evaluating them, you will notice it.
- Exposition exercises: These aim to confront the object causing the phobia, either gradually or instantly, through cognitive tools or the use of real stimuli. In the case of genophobia or fear of intercourse, gradual exposure seems to give optimal results. The exercise can begin by exposing oneself to anxiety-generating stimuli, such as talking about sexuality or flirting, and gradually increasing the levels, according to the reaction and the individual, until reaching intercourse. This takes time, requires the support and understanding of the couple, as well as commitment to the process. In this article we explain.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Cascardo, E., Resnik, P. (2015). Anxiety, stress, panic and phobias. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Editions B.
- American Psychiatric Association. (2014). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Madrid: Panamericana Medical Editorial.
- López, E. (November 9, 2016). Sexual phobias: more common than thought. Recovered from: https://www.eugeniolopez.com/phobias-sexuales-mas-comunes-de-lo-pensado/