All about frigidity

Frigidity is the insufficiency or absence of sexual desire. This term has a negative connotation. It is also referred to as "hypoactive sexual desire". Frigidity should not be confused with anorgasmia, which is the absence of orgasm. Discover the causes, symptoms, and solutions of frigidity.

Causes and risk factors

The causes of frigidity are multiple. They can be of order:

The causes of frigidity are multiple. They can be medical. They can be thyroid disorders, depression, pregnancy, etc. They can also be the consequence of taking medication such as neuroleptics, antidepressants, sleeping pills, and others. We must not forget the physiological causes which translate into a lack of interest in sex, the stress of daily life, tensions within the couple, the dephasing of desire, and the state of exhaustion.

In addition to the above-mentioned causes, there are risk factors that can promote a state of frigidity. These are a history of sexual trauma (rape, incest, etc.), drug or alcohol use, cultural or religious beliefs, fear of unwanted pregnancy, or a sexually transmitted disease.

The symptoms

Frigidity is a functional disorder, not a disease in itself. According to statistics, about 25% of women are affected. It is however normal to observe an absence of desire and orgasm in young people. It is manifested by:

• A total lack of desire;
• A feeling of discomfort during coitus or during vaginal or clitoral stimulation;
• A sensation of pain during penetration or during intercourse, known as dyspareunia;
• Vaginal dryness or poor lubrication of the vagina;
• Difficulty reaching orgasm or anorgasmia;
• Other symptoms: embarrassment, frustration, psychological distress, etc.

Treatments

To date, there is no tested medication that is effective against frigidity.

• Analytical psychotherapy which aims at releasing the censures and the unsaid;
• Sex therapy which consists in making the woman aware of her body in a different way;
• Hypnotherapy;
• Physiotherapy, which consists of perineal re-education (a complementary method to the other solutions).