GENOPHOBIA (fear of intercourse): symptoms, causes and treatment

What is genophobia? Who can have it? You have probably heard or read something about phobias. In this Psychology-Online article, you will be able to know a relatively new term, used to refer to an alteration with the potential to affect both men and women and for causes different. And it is that the development of this phobia depends more on the subjective experiences of each person than on other factors, as almost everything in the area of ​​human sexuality.

It should be noted that this phobia does not prevent or hinder the feeling of 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 this time. Keep reading to know the symptoms, causes and treatment of genophobia or fear of intercourse.

Index

1. Meaning of genophobia
2. Symptoms of genophobia
3. Causes of genophobia
4. Treatment of fear of relationships

It is known as “genophobia” when excessive and / or irrational fear that a person presents towards the fact of having sexespecially to intercourse. That this condition carries 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 inherent the intention of enjoyment and pleasure, then, when achieving the opposite result (pathological anxiety, fear, rejection, suffering ...) is considered a pathology.

Intercourse should be enjoyed not only biologically, but emotionally and psychologically. Mention is made of it in view of the fact that, being a phobia, the discomfort is not only physical but also emotional and psychological.

All phobias share some symptoms. The symptoms of genophobia or fear of intercourse are the same as those that occur in other phobias of specific objects or circumstances. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Excessive sweating
• Tingling sensation in some parts of the body (hands, face ...)
• Drowning sensation/ to be choking
• Feeling of suffocation
• Palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Afraid
• Crisis of panic

Being 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 of sexual connotation, since what is expected is that all these types of circumstances lead to intercourse.

It is inferred that people who develop this condition have a tendency to choose asexuality as lifestyle, as this would significantly reduce the pressure of being involved in situations sexual. However, they run the risk of developing other comorbid conditions, such as depression, because Physiologically and psychologically, the body would not be providing the benefits and benefits of a life sexually active.

There appears to be no single or specific cause of fear of intercourse identified thus far. The usual cause of phobias is usually a traumatic experience. Although it is also suggested that there are causative factors such as:

• Pain-producing conditions, this would motivate the person to avoid sex and even develop aversion, in this type of cases the genito-pelvic pain disorder could be considered, cited in the DSM - V.
• Some kind of dysfunction that prevents normal intercourse and creates discomfort, such as erectile disorder indicated in the same manual (DSM-V).
• Traumatic experiences Prior to the sexual act can create the basis for generating fear of relationships.
• Lack of information on sexuality it also influences the development of fear of penetration.

In other words, genophobia itself not only represents a problem, but can also generate another pathology and may be arising as a result of other alterations not treated or unknown by 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 various types of little-known phobia.

Through the professional treatment required according to the case, the specialists will put all the techniques indicated in these situations to order. 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 the cognitive behavioral.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these types of situations, the best thing to 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, in the case of a type of phobia, it should be noted that its treatment corresponds to similar to that applied in anxiety disorders since phobias represent a form of anxiety. In such a way that in order to deal with this anxious state and thus diminish 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 of certain groups muscular.
• 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 mindful breathing that leads to relaxation. It is one of the best tools against anxiety. At the end of the article, you will find a guided relaxation video.
• Thought stop: This technique is simple and seeks the recognition of the automatic thoughts typical in phobias, since they are usually negative. It is about slapping hard every time you identify one of those thoughts in order to stop them and study them, since these thoughts are usually, in addition to automatic, catastrophic, and when calmly evaluating them, you will notice it.
• Exposure exercises: these aim to confront the object causing the phobia, either gradually or instantaneously, 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. Exercise can begin by exposing yourself to anxiety-generating stimuli, such as talking about sexuality or flirt, and gradually increase the levels, according to the reaction and the individual, until achieving get to intercourse. This takes time, requires the support and understanding of the partner, as well as a commitment to the process. In this article we explain the exposition technique in psychology.

This article is merely informative, in 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.

If you want to read more articles similar to Genophobia or fear of intercourse: symptoms, causes and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Sexology.

• 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: Editorial Médica Panamericana.
• López, E. (2016, November 9). Sexual phobias: more common than thought. Recovered from: https://www.eugeniolopez.com/fobias-sexuales-mas-comunes-de-lo-pensado/