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Female Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual Aversion Secondary to Trauma

Sexual aversion disorder secondary to trauma develops after sexual assault, abuse, or traumatic medical experiences, causing intense fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contact with conditioned anxiety responses.

65%
Success Rate
6-18 months of therapy for significant improvement
Duration
Multiple
Treatment Options
3+ Groups
May Affect

What is Sexual Aversion Secondary to Trauma?

Sexual aversion disorder secondary to trauma develops after sexual assault, abuse, or traumatic medical experiences, causing intense fear, disgust, and avoidance of sexual contact with conditioned anxiety responses.

Prevalence: Common among sexual assault survivors (30-60%)

Symptoms and Signs

  • Intense fear or panic at sexual approach
  • Nausea or vomiting at sexual thoughts
  • Active avoidance of sexual situations
  • Flashbacks during intimate moments
  • Relationship conflict due to avoidance
  • Guilt and shame about reactions

Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes

  • Sexual assault or rape
  • Childhood sexual abuse
  • Traumatic gynecologic procedures
  • Painful medical experiences
  • Witnessing sexual violence

Risk Factors

  • ⚠️Sexual assault history
  • ⚠️Childhood abuse
  • ⚠️Military sexual trauma
  • ⚠️Lack of support after trauma

Treatment Options

Expected Outcomes: 60-75% improvement with trauma-informed therapy over 6-12 months

Available Treatments:

  • Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Prolonged exposure therapy
  • Somatic experiencing therapy
  • Sex therapy with trauma focus
  • Anxiety medication if needed
  • Partner education and support

Prevention Tips

  • Trauma-informed care
  • Early counseling after assault
  • Supportive partner
  • Safety in intimacy

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