Sexual Apathy: A Review of Research
Introduction
Sexual apathy is defined as a lack of interest in sexual activity, including a decreased or absent desire for sex and/or a lack of sexual arousal (Bancroft, 2019). This condition can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, as well as their relationships, yet it is a relatively under-researched topic. This review provides an overview of the available research on sexual apathy, with a particular focus on the potential causes and treatments.
Causes of Sexual Apathy
A variety of factors can contribute to sexual apathy. These include physical, psychological, and relationship factors.
Physical factors
Physical factors can play a role in the development of sexual apathy. These include medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hormonal imbalances (Wu & Wang, 2017) as well as the use of certain medications, such as antidepressants (Klein et al., 2019).
Psychological factors
Psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, can also contribute to sexual apathy (Klein et al., 2019). Additionally, some individuals may experience sexual apathy due to a fear of intimacy or a negative body image (Wu & Wang, 2017).
Relationship factors
Relationship factors can also be a cause of sexual apathy. These include issues such as lack of communication or trust, unresolved conflicts, or a lack of sexual compatibility (Wu & Wang, 2017).
Treatment of Sexual Apathy
Treatment for sexual apathy is individualized and can include a combination of psychological, medical, and/or relationship interventions.
Psychological interventions
Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may be beneficial for individuals suffering from sexual apathy (Klein et al., 2019). This approach can help individuals to identify and address any underlying psychological issues that may be contributing to their lack of sexual desire.
Medical interventions
Medical interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy, may be beneficial for individuals with sexual apathy due to a medical condition or the use of certain medications (Klein et al., 2019).
Relationship interventions
Relationship interventions, such as couples therapy, may be beneficial for individuals suffering from sexual apathy due to relationship issues (Klein et al., 2019). This approach can help couples to identify and address any underlying relationship issues that may be contributing to their lack of sexual desire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this review has provided an overview of the available research on sexual apathy, with a particular focus on the potential causes and treatments. It is important to note that the treatment of sexual apathy is individualized and can involve a combination of psychological, medical, and/or relationship interventions.
References
Bancroft, J. (2019). Sexual apathy: What it is and how to manage it. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/all-about-sex/201908/sexual-apathy-what-it-is-and-how-manage-it
Klein, D., Yood, M., & Dolce, C. (2019). Sexual apathy in men: Causes and management strategies. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(6), 837-845.
Wu, C., & Wang, C. (2017). Sexual apathy: A review of literature. International Journal of Impotence Research, 29(5), 243-252.