What Is the Fear of Sex (Erotophobia)?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is the Fear of Sex?SymptomsRelated PhobiasDiagnosisCausesTreatmentCoping

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is the Fear of Sex?

Symptoms

Related Phobias

Diagnosis

Causes

Treatment

Coping

The fear of sex is a type of specific phobia known as erotophobia. This condition is more than just general dislike or feelings of anxiety about sex. People with erotophobia experience severe, intense fear that causes serious distress and interferes with their ability to function normally.

At a Glance

While this condition can affect relationships and well-being, treatments such as medication and psychotherapy can help.

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. For instance, they may fear the act of sexual intercourse (genophobia) along with having a fear of being touched (haphephobia).

Symptoms of the Fear of Sex

For a fear of sex to rise to the level of becoming a phobia, the fear must be excessive, irrational, creategreat anxietyor distress, and occur for at least six months.It’s not simply “being scared of sex,” which can be natural—and even expected—in some situations and for some people.

Signs that you or someone you love may have erotophobia include:

If left untreated, someone with erotophobia may not only avoid romantic relationships but also other forms of intimate contact.

Underlying Fears

There are certain underlying fears that, if you have them, may be signs of (or even contribute to) an elevated fear of sex. They are:

People with erotophobia can have one or more phobias or fears related to sex. Here are a few to consider.

Genophobia

Also known as coitophobia, genophobia is thefear of sexual intercourse. People with genophobia may be able to begin romantic relationships and may quite enjoy activities such as kissing and cuddling but are afraid to move into a more physical display of affection.

Erotophobia vs. GenophobiaSometimes the terms erotophobia and genophobia are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Erotophobia is a phobia of any aspect of sex (physical, emotional, or psychological) while genophobia is a fear of the physical act of sex.

Erotophobia vs. Genophobia

Sometimes the terms erotophobia and genophobia are used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Erotophobia is a phobia of any aspect of sex (physical, emotional, or psychological) while genophobia is a fear of the physical act of sex.

Paraphobia

Paraphobia, or thefear of sexual perversion, can involve a fear of being perverted yourself or a fear of the perversion of others. Additionally, some people with paraphobia are able to enjoy sexual relationships that fit well within their personal moral code, while others are afraid that any form of intimacy might be perverted.

Haphephobia

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.

Diagnosis of Erotophobia

To be diagnosed with a phobia like erotophobia, certain criteria must be met.Criteria for a specific phobia diagnosisinclude:

What Causes a Fear of Sex?

While it isn’t always easy to pinpoint a specific cause of erotophobia, some people may be at a higher risk of developing this phobia.

Sexual Abuse

Although not everyone with erotophobia has beenrapedorsexually abused, those who have been traumatized sexually are at increased risk of developing some form of erotophobia.

Other Trauma

People who have been through other types of major traumas also have a higher risk of developinganxiety disorders, including phobias.

If the trauma was physical, for instance, you may develop a touch-related erotophobia. Conversely, those who have been through psychological or emotional abuse may be more likely to develop intimacy or vulnerability fears.

Personal, Cultural, and Religious Mores

Many religions and societies frown on sexual intercourse except for procreation. Research suggests that there is a positive relationship between erotophobia and growing up in a religion with strong ideas around sex and what is appropriate.

If you have moved away from a restrictive background but are afraid to change past patterns of thought and action, you may be at risk ofdeveloping a phobia.

Sexual Performance Anxiety

Sometimes, it isn’t actually sex that we fear. Instead, we may worry about our own ability to please a partner.Sexual performance anxietyis very common, affecting up to 25% of men and 16% of women, and can impact physical function during sex or inhibit sexual desire.

Age

Some researchers suggest that older people, such as those in older care homes, may develop erotophobia due to the perception that sex in this age group may be pathological or that it should not occur.This is often referred to as ageist erotophobia.

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.

Fears that have a legitimate medical basis are not considered phobias.However, some people experience fears that are far out of proportion to the reality of the situation. 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 type of treatment remedies are needed, such as medication and psychotherapy.

Medication

Some practitioners prescribe medications to help reduce erotophobia symptoms in patients. Two drugs that are sometimes used for erotophobia treatment are:

Otherdrugs for treating specific phobiasinclude antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapycan help ease specific phobias.This is a type of psychotherapy that involves identifying and changing thought patterns that negatively impact one’s life.

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.

However, it is not always necessary to seek a sex therapist, as most mental health professionals are capable of treating and managing erotophobia.

Depending on your therapist’s style and school of thought, you may need to face difficult and painful memories in order to heal and move forward.

Combination Approach

Some patients get better results when combining medication and psychotherapy. When the appropriate avenues are pursued with both of these erotophobia treatment options, the ability to resolve this condition is promising.

Coping With a Fear of Sex

There are some things you can do on your own to help you better cope with erotophobia and its symptoms. For example,relaxation exercisesandbreathing control exercisescan help reduce the anxiety that comes with an elevated fear of sex.

If someone you love has erotophobia, educating yourself about this condition can increase your understanding of what they are going through. If you are their partner, it may even help to attend their counseling sessions (if the therapist agrees and recommends it).

Takeaway

There are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms of erotophobia. Your doctor or therapist can help decide which ones are best for you based on the severity of your fear of sex and the impact that it is having on your life.

In the meantime, be patient with yourself and honest with your therapist. Over time, your fears will lessen and you can learn to enjoy your personal range of sexual expression.

The 5 Best Online Sex Therapy Programs

13 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].Rodriguez-Munoz P, Carmona-Torres J, Rivera-Picon C, et al.Risky behaviours of Spanish university students: association with Mediterranean diet, sexual attitude and chronotype.Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4042. doi:10.3390/nu13114042Macapagal KR, Janssen E.The valence of sex:Automatic affective associations in erotophilia and erotophobia.Pers Individ Dif. 2011;51(6):699-703. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.008Montesi, JF, Conner, BT, Gordon, EA, Fauber, RL, Kim, KH, Keimberg, RG.On the relationship among social anxiety, intimacy, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction in young couples.Arch Sex Behav. 2013;42(1):81-91. doi: 10.1007/s10508-012-9929-3Wohl A, Kirschen GW.Betrayal of the body: Group approaches to hypo-sexuality for adult female sufferers of childhood sexual abuse.J Child Sex Abus. 2018;27(2):154-160. doi:10.1080/10538712.2018.1435597Zoldbrod, AP.Sexual issues in treating trauma survivors.Current Sexual Health Reports. 2015;7(1):3-11. doi:10.1007/s11930-014-0034-6Woodfield K, Hayes K, Sanders J, Debbink M.Association between religiosity, erotophobia and sexual subjectivity in members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.J Ped Adolesc Gynecol. 2021;34(2):276. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2021.02.096Pyke R.Sexual performance anxiety.Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001Simpson P, Wilson C, Brown L, Dickinson T, Horne M.‘We’ve had our sex life way back’: older care home residents, sexuality and intimacy.Ageing Society. 2018;38(7):1478-1501. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000101Melles RJ, ter Kuile MM, Dewitte M, et al.Automatic and deliberate affective associations with sexual stimuli in women with lifelong vaginismus before and after therapist-aided exposure treatment.J Sex Med. 2014;11(3):786-99. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12360Lopez Maldonado F, Mayorga Leon A, Leon Milan E, et al.SAT-LB314 Not That Sweet Honeymoon: A case of proinsulinoma.J Endocrine Soc. 2020;4(1):SAT-LB314. 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1980Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: a rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1StatPearls.Specific phobia.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013

13 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].Rodriguez-Munoz P, Carmona-Torres J, Rivera-Picon C, et al.Risky behaviours of Spanish university students: association with Mediterranean diet, sexual attitude and chronotype.Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4042. doi:10.3390/nu13114042Macapagal KR, Janssen E.The valence of sex:Automatic affective associations in erotophilia and erotophobia.Pers Individ Dif. 2011;51(6):699-703. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.008Montesi, JF, Conner, BT, Gordon, EA, Fauber, RL, Kim, KH, Keimberg, RG.On the relationship among social anxiety, intimacy, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction in young couples.Arch Sex Behav. 2013;42(1):81-91. doi: 10.1007/s10508-012-9929-3Wohl A, Kirschen GW.Betrayal of the body: Group approaches to hypo-sexuality for adult female sufferers of childhood sexual abuse.J Child Sex Abus. 2018;27(2):154-160. doi:10.1080/10538712.2018.1435597Zoldbrod, AP.Sexual issues in treating trauma survivors.Current Sexual Health Reports. 2015;7(1):3-11. doi:10.1007/s11930-014-0034-6Woodfield K, Hayes K, Sanders J, Debbink M.Association between religiosity, erotophobia and sexual subjectivity in members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.J Ped Adolesc Gynecol. 2021;34(2):276. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2021.02.096Pyke R.Sexual performance anxiety.Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001Simpson P, Wilson C, Brown L, Dickinson T, Horne M.‘We’ve had our sex life way back’: older care home residents, sexuality and intimacy.Ageing Society. 2018;38(7):1478-1501. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000101Melles RJ, ter Kuile MM, Dewitte M, et al.Automatic and deliberate affective associations with sexual stimuli in women with lifelong vaginismus before and after therapist-aided exposure treatment.J Sex Med. 2014;11(3):786-99. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12360Lopez Maldonado F, Mayorga Leon A, Leon Milan E, et al.SAT-LB314 Not That Sweet Honeymoon: A case of proinsulinoma.J Endocrine Soc. 2020;4(1):SAT-LB314. 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1980Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: a rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1StatPearls.Specific phobia.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].Rodriguez-Munoz P, Carmona-Torres J, Rivera-Picon C, et al.Risky behaviours of Spanish university students: association with Mediterranean diet, sexual attitude and chronotype.Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4042. doi:10.3390/nu13114042Macapagal KR, Janssen E.The valence of sex:Automatic affective associations in erotophilia and erotophobia.Pers Individ Dif. 2011;51(6):699-703. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.008Montesi, JF, Conner, BT, Gordon, EA, Fauber, RL, Kim, KH, Keimberg, RG.On the relationship among social anxiety, intimacy, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction in young couples.Arch Sex Behav. 2013;42(1):81-91. doi: 10.1007/s10508-012-9929-3Wohl A, Kirschen GW.Betrayal of the body: Group approaches to hypo-sexuality for adult female sufferers of childhood sexual abuse.J Child Sex Abus. 2018;27(2):154-160. doi:10.1080/10538712.2018.1435597Zoldbrod, AP.Sexual issues in treating trauma survivors.Current Sexual Health Reports. 2015;7(1):3-11. doi:10.1007/s11930-014-0034-6Woodfield K, Hayes K, Sanders J, Debbink M.Association between religiosity, erotophobia and sexual subjectivity in members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.J Ped Adolesc Gynecol. 2021;34(2):276. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2021.02.096Pyke R.Sexual performance anxiety.Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001Simpson P, Wilson C, Brown L, Dickinson T, Horne M.‘We’ve had our sex life way back’: older care home residents, sexuality and intimacy.Ageing Society. 2018;38(7):1478-1501. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000101Melles RJ, ter Kuile MM, Dewitte M, et al.Automatic and deliberate affective associations with sexual stimuli in women with lifelong vaginismus before and after therapist-aided exposure treatment.J Sex Med. 2014;11(3):786-99. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12360Lopez Maldonado F, Mayorga Leon A, Leon Milan E, et al.SAT-LB314 Not That Sweet Honeymoon: A case of proinsulinoma.J Endocrine Soc. 2020;4(1):SAT-LB314. 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1980Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: a rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1StatPearls.Specific phobia.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.Impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 Changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Internet].

Rodriguez-Munoz P, Carmona-Torres J, Rivera-Picon C, et al.Risky behaviours of Spanish university students: association with Mediterranean diet, sexual attitude and chronotype.Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4042. doi:10.3390/nu13114042

Macapagal KR, Janssen E.The valence of sex:Automatic affective associations in erotophilia and erotophobia.Pers Individ Dif. 2011;51(6):699-703. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.008

Montesi, JF, Conner, BT, Gordon, EA, Fauber, RL, Kim, KH, Keimberg, RG.On the relationship among social anxiety, intimacy, sexual communication, and sexual satisfaction in young couples.Arch Sex Behav. 2013;42(1):81-91. doi: 10.1007/s10508-012-9929-3

Wohl A, Kirschen GW.Betrayal of the body: Group approaches to hypo-sexuality for adult female sufferers of childhood sexual abuse.J Child Sex Abus. 2018;27(2):154-160. doi:10.1080/10538712.2018.1435597

Zoldbrod, AP.Sexual issues in treating trauma survivors.Current Sexual Health Reports. 2015;7(1):3-11. doi:10.1007/s11930-014-0034-6

Woodfield K, Hayes K, Sanders J, Debbink M.Association between religiosity, erotophobia and sexual subjectivity in members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.J Ped Adolesc Gynecol. 2021;34(2):276. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2021.02.096

Pyke R.Sexual performance anxiety.Sex Med Rev. 2020;8(2):183-190. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.001

Simpson P, Wilson C, Brown L, Dickinson T, Horne M.‘We’ve had our sex life way back’: older care home residents, sexuality and intimacy.Ageing Society. 2018;38(7):1478-1501. doi:10.1017/S0144686X17000101

Melles RJ, ter Kuile MM, Dewitte M, et al.Automatic and deliberate affective associations with sexual stimuli in women with lifelong vaginismus before and after therapist-aided exposure treatment.J Sex Med. 2014;11(3):786-99. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12360

Lopez Maldonado F, Mayorga Leon A, Leon Milan E, et al.SAT-LB314 Not That Sweet Honeymoon: A case of proinsulinoma.J Endocrine Soc. 2020;4(1):SAT-LB314. 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1980

Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: a rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1

StatPearls.Specific phobia.

American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013

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