Genophobia

You may be suffering from genophobia if you’re terrified of sex or even the prospect of it makes you feel anxious. Phobias are strong unreasonable worries about sexual intimacy. 

Genophobia

Phobia of sex, often known as ‘genophobia’ or ‘erotophobia,’ is a phobia. Those who suffer from genophobia are afraid of sexual contact or any form of sexual behaviour. The terms genophobia and erotophobia, or the dread of sex, are occasionally used interchangeably, but the two situations are not the same. It differs from erotophobia in that erotophobia is a dread of sexuality that is irrational, not the act itself. 

Genophobia vs Erotophobia

The terms “fear of sex” are genophobia and erotophobia, respectively. Genophobia, on the other hand, is a dread of sexual actions or intercourse. Erotophobia is a dread of all things sexual, including sexuality, and nudity, among other things. Erotophobia could be used to characterise genophobia; however, not all cases of erotophobia can be described as genophobia.

Genophobia causes

It might be difficult to determine the actual source of a phobia, such as a fear of sex, in many cases. Phobias can be brought on by a variety of circumstances, such as physical or emotional problems. There isn’t a ‘genophobia test’ that can be used to determine whether or not someone is genophobic.

However, the following factors could contribute to the development of a sex phobia:

• A specific incidence or trauma, such as sexual assault, rape, or other forms of sexual violence
• A learnt response — ideas absorbed early in life 
• Cultural or religious beliefs
• Insecurity about yourself or your body
• A medical problem that makes sex hard or painful

Genophobia Symptoms

Each person’s phobia reaction is often unique. You may experience distinct phobia signs as well as those associated with other anxiety disorders if you have a fear of sex.

The following are some of the signs and symptoms of genophobia:

• Sudden, severe fear or anxiety whenever sexual closeness is contemplated or practised
• Inability to manage the fear or anxiety even if you recognise it as unjustified
• Panic attacks
• Aversion behaviours
• Irritability
• Challenges or sleep disruptions
• Concentration problems
• Restlessness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Exhaustion
• Muscular tension or dizziness

Treatment

Fear of sex might make it difficult to form sexual connections. It can also lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. 

• Phobias can be treated with therapy and/or medication depending on the situation of an individual. 
• Genophobia is treated in the same way as any other phobia. Along with drugs, psychotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of phobias.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) entails learning skills to handle physical responses to the trigger as well as establishing alternate ways of understanding the fear or scenario.
• It can be combined with experience to the feared circumstance.
• Genophobia can also be treated with the help of a sex therapist. The type of therapy used in individual sessions is largely determined by the underlying factors of the phobia and the circumstances.
• The treatment method differs from one patient to the next. Genophobia can be overcome with proper treatment, allowing an individual to live a sexually healthy life.

Conclusion

Phobia of sex, often known as ‘genophobia’ or ‘erotophobia,’ is a type of phobia. Those who suffer from genophobia are afraid of sexual contact or any form of sexual behaviour. It’s classified as a specific phobia, and it’s one of many phobias that individuals suffer from. With the support of a medical practitioner, one can manage their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.