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Asexuality Is Finally Breaking Free from Medical Stigma (www.scientificamerican.com)

submitted 9 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/science@lemmy.world

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New research on asexuality shows why it’s so important for doctors and therapists to distinguish between episodes of low libido and a consistent lack of sexual attraction

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Over the past two decades psychological studies have shown that asexuality should be classified not as a disorder but as a stable sexual orientation akin to homosexuality or heterosexuality. Both cultural awareness and clinical medicine have been slow to catch on. It's only recently that academic researchers have begun to look at asexuality not as an indicator of health problems but as a legitimate, underexplored way of being human.

In biology, the word “asexual” typically gets used in reference to species that reproduce without sex, such as bacteria and aphids. But in some species that do require mating to have offspring, such as sheep and rodents, scientists have observed individuals that don't appear driven to engage in the act.

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[-] givesomefucks@lemmy.world 9 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

It's probably just an issue with oxytocin.

It does a lot of stuff, but what's important here is it's about social bonding. When it's not functioning correctly, you just never get lonely, you don't have the negatives from lack of social relationships including romantic.

Also, it's what make orgasms feel amazing. So without it, your getting rid of the two main positives for sexual relationships.

You might still enjoy the act of sex, you just don't get the huge addicting high at the end of it.

So it's at most a "sure, why not" thing compared to everyone else. And for some people, it's just not worth the hassle to varying degrees.

We also haven't identified any genetic markers, but there's likely some out there. And there's environmental issues when young that can effect it your whole life.

So we barely understand the "nurture" component and no idea about the "nature" side of things.

Edit:

Rather than keep responding to the same comments, please just scroll down for more information before replying.

[-] TheHowTM 19 points 9 months ago

I mean it's generally bad form to attempt to explain why someone is of a particular orientation. You don't say "well you're only gay because you have trauma," because that's fucked up and overtly reductive of a key aspect of their personality.

I don't experience sexual attraction. I still get horny. Orgasms feel great. I get lonely all the time, and still need social interaction. My experience is far from unique amongst asexual people. I don't think it's as simple as a single chemical imbalance.

At the same time, I am scientifically-minded, and understand that my mind arises as a product of the processes of my brain and body. I don't disagree that hormones play as a factor in my orientation, but not everyone in the ace community shares that sentiment, and of course having your orientation chalked up to a specific medical or phychological "quirk" generally feels bad.

[-] Sentau@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 9 months ago

If you dont mind me asking what is the difference between sexual attraction and being horny?

[-] TheHowTM 2 points 9 months ago

Sexual attraction requires a object of attraction, usually a person who you feel the urge to have sex with. Arousal isn't directed.

[-] Sentau@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 9 months ago

So does arousal have no trigger in your case¿? Is morning wood an example of such arousal where it is not directed¿?

[-] TheHowTM 2 points 9 months ago

Basically. Sometimes I just realize I'm horny. If the situation allows, I may go deal with it. I'm sure there have been times where a stimulus of a sexual nature produced an arousal response in me, but never from a desire for intercourse with the object of the stimulus.

[-] Sentau@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 9 months ago

Thanks for indulging my curiosity.

[-] TheHowTM 1 points 9 months ago

No problem. As an aside, and just so you know, my experience may not be unique, but it also does not describe that of all asexual people. There is a WHOLE lot of variation.