People with this fear may be afraid of all sex acts, or only of intercourse itself.
This phobia can develop after severe sexual trauma, sexual assault, or rape.
Causes
Like all phobias, genophobia is most likely to develop after severe trauma.
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Genophobia is sometimes linked to insecurities or body image issues, as well as medical concerns.
Additionally, genophobia sometimes occurs independently of any identifiable causes.
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Rapeis a fundamental violation of the victim’s body and mind.
In the aftermath of rape, virtually all survivors undergo an intense psychological reaction.
Although not everyone reacts in the same way, most people follow a loosely organized three-stage path.
Similar topost-traumatic stress disorder, rape trauma syndrome dramatically elevates the risks of developing related mental health conditions.
However, phobias can develop when people transition from one set of beliefs and practices to another.
Lingering guilt, self-doubt, or fear of breaking the old ways may heighten the risk for phobias.
In some cases, performance anxiety may develop into genophobia.
Fear of Disease
Sexual intercourse carries the risk of numerous diseases, including HIV.
You may feel that sex is dangerous and never worth taking even a small chance of infection.
Additionally, some people are afraid that sex will be painful.
Caution and even fear may be prudent in these situations.
Nonetheless, some people develop fears that are far out of proportion to the level of risk.
Deciding to forego sexual activity altogether would be a disproportionate reaction in that situation.
However, most cases of genophobia can also be treated by traditional therapists without additional certification.
Furthermore, those who experience pain or other medical difficulties during intercourse should seek advice from a medical doctor.
Battling genophobia is never easy.
Many people feel shame or embarrassment and are reluctant to share such a deeply personal phobia.
Yet treatment is generally successful, and the rewards are well worth the difficult and often emotionally painful process.
Some people choose to live asexual lives, finding meaning and fulfillment outside of sexual experience.
If you feel you’re suffering from genophobia, several trauma-focused therapy approaches can potentially help.
Consider reaching out to a therapist or other licensed mental health professional for healing and support.
El-Hadidy M, Ahmed E, Abdelhady Z.Female circumcision as a cause of genophobia.Middle East Current Psychiatry.
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