They might also have little to no desire to have sexual encounters, in general.
That said, every asexual person is different in the way they approach sexual intimacy.
Consider it more of a spectrum versus a concrete set of rules.
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Also, some might engage sexually with others or with themselves but may not feel pleasure when doing so.
These are only a few examples.
Note that asexuality is not considered the same as abstaining from sex for religious or philosophical reasons.
In such cases, sexual attraction might occur but it is simply not acted upon.
Is Asexuality Considered a Choice?
There are two primary philosophies in regard to asexuality.
The first is that it is a sexual orientation in the same way heterosexuality and homosexuality are orientations.
The LGBTQ+ community recognizes asexuality as its own orientation.
How to Know If Youre Asexual
Sometimes a persons asexuality isnt immediately obvious to themselves.
Some dont even realize that asexuality exists as a sexual orientation.
Asexual, Demisexual, and Graysexual
The termsdemisexualand asexual are often conflated.
While tangentially related, the two orientations are actually very different from one another.
Asexuality Vs. A libido drop later in life is often not the same as being of asexual orientation.
That said, there are times when you might feel compelled to talk to someone about your sexuality.
Explain exactly what you feel and dont feel.
If youre speaking with a romantic partner, be clear about how this might impact your sexual relationship.
Remember, you are not alone in your experiences and your feelings.
GLAAD.A is for asexual, agender, aromantic.
2015;12(5):1107-1119. doi:10.1111/jsm.12856