Asexuality: Norm or Disorder?
According to the traditional definition, asexuality is related to lack of sexual attraction and desire. The results of more recent studies claim that asexuality cannot be related to a psychiatric condition, a disorder of the sexual desire or a symptom of any other health impairment. Instead, it is related mainly to the person’s choice and his/her sexual orientation.
Similar to any other sexual orientation, asexuality has several subtypes, which means the notion is not always related to feeling no sexual attraction to anyone. Some people, who define themselves as asexual, have sexual relations, because of the partner they have and responsibilities they have chosen. However, this group of people rarely has sexual fantasies and much enthusiasm during the intercourse. There are two biggest groups of asexual people, including:
- Demi-sexuals, who feature strong mental and emotional connection with people;
- Gray-sexuals that are characterized by the middle position between sexual and asexual.
Misconceptions and Stereotypes about Asexuals
The first and most popular opinion is that asexuality is a mental disease that should be treated. Even the results of certain investigations show that asexuals perform higher rates of anxiety and distress. However, it can be the evidence of prejudice rather than psychological disturbance.
The second biggest misconception is that asexuality is a sexual dysfunction. There are two medical conditions, which are usually diagnosed in asexuals: female sexual interest/arousal disorder and hypoactive sexual disorder. However, the key difference between these illnesses and asexuality is that people in the first group are concerned by the condition they have, while asexual people do not worry about their choice. Asexuals do not experience abnormal sexual attractions. Instead, they have certain attraction to their partners, which is generally lower than in an average person.
