Sexual aversion disorder is a persistent repulsive reaction of patients towards sexual activities or thoughts of sexual activities. The mere thought of engaging in sexual relations with a partner triggers intense negative emotions, leading individuals to avoid sexual activities due to extreme fear or anxiety. It can affect both men and women, but is more common in women.

bubble_chart Etiology

The primary cause of sexual aversion is psychological factors. There seem to be many significant psychological factors contributing to sexual aversion, such as parents' resistant attitude toward sex, a history of sexual trauma in the patient, poor body image or low self-esteem during adolescence, or being frightened by pregnancy, all of which can lead to sexual aversion. If a spouse frequently forces sexual activity or uses it as a reward for other behaviors or material gains, it may result in sexual anxiety and even sexual aversion.

A minority of cases are related to mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias. In such cases, avoiding sexual activity may be the best way to manage concerns related to sexual behavior.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Typical individuals with sexual aversion exhibit a comprehensive range of negative reactions toward sexual contact with others. In some cases, the aversion is situational, occurring only with a spouse or during heterosexual interactions. Certain cases manifest physiological repulsion, presenting symptoms such as sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, etc., while others experience only emotional disgust. Some patients may merely show reduced frequency of sexual activity or a lack of interest in it.

Those with sexual aversion often feel unwarranted anxiety at the thought of intercourse, frequently triggered by actions like kissing, hugging, or touching. Sometimes, the mere imagination of such scenarios provokes stronger anxiety than the actual sexual activity. Most individuals with sexual aversion maintain normal sexual arousal—men can engage in typical intercourse and ejaculation, while women can achieve orgasm. A minority of patients may also experience erectile dysfunction, vaginal spasms, or orgasmic dysfunction.

The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate pathological aversion consequences and improve sexual activity patterns. For patients with sexual aversion, treatment should proceed step by step. In the early stages of treatment, it is necessary to prioritize the patient's interests over those of their spouse, control the patient's sexual activities, and resist harmful sexual inducements from the spouse. The following points should be noted during treatment.

(1) First, the patient should have the motivation to seek treatment.

(2) Based on medical history and sexual psychology, explain the relevant pathological factors to the patient and their spouse, helping them recognize that changing past sexual behaviors is of utmost importance.

(3) The patient's spouse must cooperate closely with the doctor, and sexual activities during treatment should be carried out gradually as prescribed.

(4) Enhance the ability to perceive bodily sensations related to touching or being touched, and repeatedly conduct well-planned, slow-paced sensate focus exercises. Transition from non-sexual areas to sexual areas, and gradually increase sexual stimulation as feelings of anxiety diminish.

(5) Help the patient experience comfort during emotional focus exercises and reduce anxiety during sexual activities. The patient must acknowledge their feelings of anxiety and recognize their ability to overcome them.

(6) Conduct evaluations and verbal communication during a series of sensate focus exercises. New methods of emotional communication can improve discordant marital relationships and help clarify various secondary issues that contribute to sexual tension.