frigidity
Various changes in normal sexual behavior are summarized under frigidity (from the Latin frigidus "cool, cold", historically also sexually cold ). The term is outdated as a technical term, but is still popular in general terms. Frigidity manifests itself in low sexual desire or feeling. This can be a pathological disorder, but this is often not the case.
The term is more commonly used in relation to women, but this restriction does not make sense in terms of linguistic logic, as men can show the same symptoms.
Sexual dysfunctions can occur in any phase of life: Decreased libido (lack of sexual desire), disorders of sexual arousal and orgasm disorders are among the sexual dysfunctions . Furthermore, pain caused by sexual activity can occur.
causes
The intermittent occurrence of sexual disinterest or lack of feeling is a broad phenomenon and usually not a sign of a disorder. Only if the listlessness persists for an unusually long time, sexual feelings are not possible or a significant deterioration in physical sensation can be determined, it could be a pathological impairment.
A persistent lack of libido can also be caused by physical functional impairment (such as hormonal disorders) as well as as a consequence of psychological impairments ( depression , post-traumatic stress disorder, especially after rape and other traumatic or repulsive experiences, e.g. by partners who do not have adequate intimate care and intimate hygiene operate) or occur as a side effect of drugs (especially opiates). In coitus interruptus , can women experience this as frustrating react with frigidity.
Some patients suffering from a lack of sex drive have so far not had any positive body experiences at all , nor have they had any sexual pleasure gained through masturbation . The causes can be of various kinds and can be found in negative early childhood experiences or a sex-hostile upbringing. As a result, fears or aversions of one's own body can arise.
Even after giving birth, women are more likely to report sexual listlessness. This can be due to the attitude to the new challenges as a mother or the hormonal change and is therefore usually a temporary phenomenon.
Sexual disinterest towards a partner who subjectively as little attractive is perceived or whose sexual behavior to benefit the other partner rather than reduced increases, is not indicative of frigidity. Disinterest can also have other non-pathological reasons, such as an unconscious, unacknowledged, repressed or hidden other sexual orientation ; for example, a lack of desire for sex with an opposite-sex partner may indicate suppressed homosexuality . The complete lack of sexual attraction to other people or a fundamental disinterest in sex (which does not exclude masturbation for the purpose of releasing drives) is called asexuality .
Effects
The lack of sexual interest on the part of either partner can lead to far-reaching problems in the partnership, such as mutual feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, mutual evasiveness, assigning blame, aggressive behavior, cheating and mutual alienation up to and including intentions to separate.
In order not to be considered "frigid", some women fake feelings of pleasure and an orgasm, compare faked orgasm .
therapy
For patients who suffer from a disorder of their libido, it is advisable to have any organic causes clarified and treated by a doctor, possibly also a gynecologist or urologist . If the causes are in the emotional area - z. B. with psychological blocks - psychotherapy can help.
If frigidity is a problem in partner relationships, couples therapy is recommended, regardless of the organic causes identified .
