Asexuality

Explained: What is asexuality?

Asexual individuals do not experience any type of sexual arousal to either gender. Asexuality is not a new phenomenon, but it's relatively new to public discourse. In the past, asexual individuals simply avoided sexual intimacy with a partner, and chose a life in solitude. Asexuality may be more common than what we realize judging from the number of people who lead solitary sex lives. It can be assumed that 1% (or more) of the population are asexual.

Asexuality can occur in both genders but is probably more common in females. People of all backgrounds can be affected by it. Asexuality usually first comes to prominence as a teenager, when one is not able to feel any type of sexual arousal to either sex. Asexuality is not a pathological disorder- it is just another variation of our sexual preferences. As long as the individual is content with no sexual arousal and can lead a normal life, then it is perfectly acceptable.

The one common misconception about asexual people is that many people feel that they are against sex, marriage or love. This is untrue- it is just that these individuals do not find either gender sexually stimulating. They may find solace and contentment with masturbation. In fact, some asexuals also get married, but often this leads to a divorce or marital difficulties when the marriage lacks sexual intimacy, that a partner with sexual feelings desires.

Asexuality is not something choosen. People’s brain are wired that way. These individuals typically do not fear having a relationship or having sex. They just do not find it enjoyable.

It is important to appreciate that just because some someone is asexual doesn't mean that they do not have friends or have relationships. The majority of these individuals lead normal lives, have fun, go out, party but they just do not feel sexually attracted to others. The asexual person may experience sexual arousal even have orgasms but only with themselves.

There is a whole spectrum of asexual behavior- some individuals date and kiss, but others completely abstain from sexual activity. Some fall in love and others do not. Some masturbate and other don't. The only thing in common is that asexuals generally do not have a sexual attraction to either gender.

Finally, as long as the asexual behavior doesn't bother the affected individual, one does not need to see a psychiatrist, get any treatment or be psychoanalyzed. It is just one more type of sexual behavior in the spectrum of our sexual preferences. Many people go through their entire lives not knowing that they are asexual. In the past not having a sexual relationship was considered to be a mental problem or a personality disorder. This is completely untrue. Asexuals are as "normal" as everyone else in every other respect of life, except for their sexual preference.

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