Anxiety and Sensuality in Men: Understanding Sensual Aversion Disorders
by John Dugan OwnerMen are basically just
beasts, ready to move into high-gear sensual mode at the drop of a hat – or so
American culture in general (and the adult film industry in particular) would
have everyone believe. In fact, there’s a wide variation in the sensual
activities, interests, desires and motives of men, which only points up that
men may be a group but thy are also individuals. Sure, most men who lead a
healthy lifestyle have an appropriate sensual appetite – but that appetite expresses
itself differently in different men. And there are some men for whom the
sensual appetite is not so healthy – some, in fact, who suffer from a condition
casually known as sensual anorexia.
Strange name
The name sensual anorexia
was created about 30 years ago, but this condition is also known but another
name: sensual aversion disorder. Whichever name is used, it describes a
condition in which there is “extreme anxiety and fear and avoidance of [physical]
intimacy.” It’s essentially the opposite of an addiction, in which a
person has an intense, compulsive and at times uncontrollable need to engage in
coupling. With sensual anorexia, a person avoids intimate contact at almost any
cost.
When a person has sensual anorexia, they may experience an
overwhelming degree of self-loathing after engaging in coupling. They also may
have heightened and at times irrational fears about coming down with a
sensually-transmitted infection. In some cases, they may go to extremes,
including self-destructive behavior, in order to keep from having intimate
contact. And in some cases, there may be a “seesaw” effect, where a person goes
overboard and engages in a “binge” and then follows it with a cycle of extreme
withdrawal.
Although sensual anorexia is more frequently associated with
women, it does occur in men as well.
Causes
Why does a man become sensually anorexic? The research
is still being done, so much of what follows is theorizing. However, some
clinicians and researchers believe that the cause is often linked to an episode
or episodes in a man’s childhood or youth. In such episodes, a male experiences
a sense of betrayal by a caregiver or other person who plays a primary role in
his life. This causes him to be distrustful of intimacy, resulting in a
reluctance or inability to be sensually involved with other people – and
sometimes with himself alone.
There are other situations which may also lead to sensual
anorexia. For example, growing up in a household in which physical intimacy is
regarded as extremely sinful or perceived in another forcefully negative light.
Victims of physical, emotional or sensual abuse are also more likely to be
avoidant of sensual engagements. And when a person has body dysmorphia and has
resultant negative feelings about their physical self or about specific body
parts, this can contribute as well to sensual anorexia.
Ironically, many men with sensual anorexia present as
self-confident, sensually alluring men. But their actual interest in coupling
is significantly abbreviated.
Treatment
Most men with sensual anorexia will need to seek help from a
qualified mental health professional in order to treat the issue. This can be a
long and involved process which will require the patient to bond with and
becoming trusting and accepting of his doctor. Cognitive behavioral therapies
and other options can be utilized once an acceptable level of trust has been
established.
Though sensual anorexia is not itself a physical disorder,
maintaining male organ health can be beneficial, as it is for all men. Regular
use of a quality male organ health creme (health professionals
recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is
desirable. Seek out one which includes moisturizing agents such as she abutter
and vitamin E to maintain healthy male organ skin. The crème also should
include alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant which helps fight free radicals and
the oxidative stress they can create.
Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information
on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving member sensitivity
and what to do to maintain a healthy manhood. John Dugan is a professional
writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer
to numerous websites.
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Created on Aug 31st 2018 19:27. Viewed 283 times.