Asexuality is considered to be the sexual condition of a person who feels no sexual attraction and no desire for sexual pleasure.
Despite not feeling sexual attraction, asexuals may experience romantic attraction, either to one or both genders (they may be heteroromantic, homoromantic, or bi-romantic). That is, they may seek romantic relationships, but often wish such relationships did not include sexual activity. Their prevalence has been estimated at 1%, i.e. 1 out of every 100 people would be asexual.
And it is increasingly talked about because something similar to what happened with other sexual orientations is happening with asexuality. In this sense, in 2001 the “AVEN” network (Asexual Visibility and Education Network) was founded. This community provides a safe space for asexuals, researchers or the curious who wish to learn or ask questions about asexuality.
It should not be considered a disease
People do not need sexual arousal to be healthy. However, sometimes a lack of sexual desire can be a symptom of a physical or mental illness, or a consequence of medication. When a person who usually experiences sexual attraction stops feeling that arousal, it may be due to an underlying medical cause.
When to undergo therapy
The asexual, by definition, feels satisfied without having sexual relations. The problem is that we live in a sexualized society and are expected to be sexual. An asexual person must face serious confusion due to lack of information. When these problems of acceptance involve suffering, a psychiatrist can help.
In other cases, the problem comes from life as a couple. When one of the partners is asexual and the other partner is not, this can lead to difficulties in the relationship. If asexuality adversely affects the couple’s relationship, a sexologist or couples therapist may be able to help.