Sexuality is an important part of an individual’s physical and emotional health. However, women (and men) can sometimes lose interest in sexuality. This condition is called “sexual aversion ” in medicine. This condition, which is common in women, can negatively affect both individual life and couple relationships.
In this article, we aim to raise awareness on this issue by providing detailed answers to questions such as what is sexual reluctance, what are its causes, how to treat it.
What is sexual aversion?
Sexual aversion is the lack of interest and desire for sexual intercourse or sexual intimacy. This aversion may be temporary or long-term (chronic). The person’s interest in sexual life may have decreased or even disappeared completely.
Sexual aversion in women is also known in medicine as “hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)“. This condition is not a disease; it may be the result of underlying physical, psychological or hormonal causes.
Who Suffers from Sexual Anorexia?
Sexual reluctance can occur in women of all ages. However, it occurs more frequently in certain periods or situations:
- Postpartum period
- Breastfeeding process
- Menopause
- Periods of intense stress and anxiety
- In couples with relationship problems
- In patients with depression or anxiety
What are the Causes of Sexual Reluctance?
Sexual aversion is often caused by multiple factors. We can classify them as follows:
1. Physical Causes
- Hormone imbalances (estrogen, low testosterone)
- Thyroid diseases
- Diabetes
- Chronic fatigue or anemia
- Side effects of medications (especially antidepressants)
- Vaginal dryness or painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
2. Psychological Causes
- Depression and anxiety
- Past sexual trauma
- Lack of self-confidence
- Body perception problems
- Religious and cultural pressures
3. Relationship Causes
- Communication problems with the partner
- Distrust, suspicion of betrayal
- Sexual incompatibility
- Family stress
4. Environmental and Social Factors
- Excessive work stress
- Financial concerns
- Sleep disturbance
How to Treat Sexual Reluctance?
The treatment of sexual reluctance depends on the correct identification of the underlying cause. For this reason, a personalized assessment is required for each patient.
Treatment Methods:
- Hormone Therapies: Especially in the postmenopausal period, decreased estrogen and testosterone levels can be replaced.
- Psychotherapy and Sexual Therapy: Sexual therapy helps women to get to know themselves and their bodies better.
- Relationship Counseling: It may be recommended that couples attend therapy together.
- Lifestyle Changes: Supportive methods such as exercise, regular sleep and stress management are an important part of treatment.
- Vaginal Treatments: If there is vaginal dryness or pain, local estrogen treatments or moisturizing gel applications may be helpful.
Sexual anorexia is a condition that most women will experience in their lives and is not something to be ashamed of or hidden. With the right assessment, treatment and support, it can be successfully managed.