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The fear of sex is a bang out of specific phobia known as erotophobia.
This condition is more than just general dislike or feelings of anxiety about sex.
While this condition can affect relationships and well-being, treatments such as medication and psychotherapy can help.
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What Is the Fear of Sex?
Erotophobia is aphobiaor excessive and irrational fear of sex.
This condition is often complex as people with erotophobia may be scared of sex in more than one way.
The level of fear created by this condition causes very real distress.
Here are a few to consider.
Genophobia
Also known as coitophobia, genophobia is thefear of sexual intercourse.
Gymnophobia
Gymnophobia, or thefear of nudity, can appear in different ways.
Some people are afraid of being naked themselves, others of people being naked around them.
This phobia may co-occur with body image issues or feelings of inadequacy, although it can also occur alone.
Philemaphobia
Also known as philematophobia, thefear of kissingcan have many causes.
One potential cause is a concern over bad breath.
Someone with agerm phobiamay also develop this fear.
If the trauma was physical, for instance, you may develop a touch-related erotophobia.
Sexual Performance Anxiety
Sometimes, it isn’t actually sex that we fear.
Physical Concerns
Some people worry that sex will hurt.
Others wonder if they will be able to perform due to a physiological condition orsexual dysfunction.
These physical concerns can contribute to the development of a sex-related phobia such as erotophobia.
If your fear is inappropriate to the current risks, you might have a phobia.
Treatment for Erotophobia
Because erotophobia is so complex, seeking professional help is recommended.
This professional can help determine what pop in of treatment remedies are needed, such as medication and psychotherapy.
Medication
Some practitioners prescribe medications to help reduce erotophobia symptoms in patients.
Sex therapistsare licensed mental health professionals who have completed additional training and certification in the treatment of sexual concerns.
They can help you cultivate amore positive attitude toward sex.
Combination Approach
Some patients get better results when combining medication and psychotherapy.
For example,relaxation exercisesandbreathing control exercisescan help reduce the anxiety that comes with an elevated fear of sex.
Takeaway
There are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms of erotophobia.
In the meantime, be patient with yourself and honest with your therapist.
Over time, your fears will lessen and you might learn to enjoy your personal range of sexual expression.
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