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7 common sexual phobias that actually exist

By Eddy Ashioya on

You may have a sexual phobia and don’t know it yet.

If you find certain aspects of sex or intimacy scary, they give you anxiety or panic, it could be that you have a sexual phobia.

Phobias are irrational fears that some people manifest towards certain things even if those things are not really a real threat. They go far beyond fear since they are moments of total blockage. 

A sexual phobia is a fear or anxiety that can impact your sex life and lead to sexual dysfunction. 

The fact that you have a sexual phobia does not mean that you do not want to engage in sexual activity, rather your body reacts by not being able to release the tension.

1. Erotophobia

   ​​​​​This is fear or discomfort around any sexual intimacy. It includes any phobia related to sex. This phobia comprises several types of phobias that cause sexual fear and sexual issues.

   Someone with erotophobia may experience different kinds of sexual anxiety including fear of sex (Genophobia or coitophobia), fear of touch (haphephobia), fear of being naked(gynophobia).

2. Genophobia

   ​​​​This is a type of erotophobia.

   This is the fear of sexual intercourse. People with this phobia may be afraid of all sexual acts or only sexual intercourse. They may enjoy foreplay activities such as kissing and cuddling but are afraid of sex.

   It is also known as coitophobia.

   In most cases, this fear develops after a serious trauma such as rape and molestation. Other factors that may increase risk are cultural beliefs, upbringing, and religious beliefs. In some cases, someone can fear having sex because they have body insecurities or medical concerns.

3. Tocophobia

   This is the fear that sex will result in pregnancy.

   For two consenting adults who indulge in sex but do not want pregnancy, the fear of getting one can sap it of its fun. However, by using a condom, birth control, or right timing, the chances of getting pregnant are low. 

4. Philemaphobia

   This is the fear of kissing.

   People who have this phobia fear the passing of germs, but there are many other reasons. Those with this fear find kissing someone scary. 

   Weirdly, they don’t have a problem with indulging in sex though. 

5. Gymnophobia

   This is the fear of being naked or nudity. People with this phobia are afraid of being naked or having others people get naked in their presence. This fear can be brought about by boy insecurities or not feeling good about your body. It may also be influenced by other factors.

6. Medumalacuphobia

   This is the fear of losing an erection.

    It is very common to find us wondering: ‘Will I be able to last long?’ or ‘What if I ejaculate too soon or before she has had her orgasm?’ The key is to relax and just go for it. 

7. Ithyphallophobia

   This is the fear of an erect penis. 

   This fear can manifest in both men and women. Men with this phobia fear getting an erection, while women fear seeing and/or touching a man’s erect penis.

   This phobia is sometimes known as medorthophobia or phallophobia. 

Finally,

Sex is mostly about communication. State your do’s and don’t’s, be comfortable, and tell your partner what you like. And because it is also about to give and take, seek your partner’s needs and you will experience a different kind of intimacy.

In case your phobia is affecting your sex life, talk to your partner, counselor, or sex therapist.

What is your sexual phobia? Talk to us in the comments section.