💬 What Is “Frigidity”?

“Frigidity” is an old-fashioned term once used to describe low sexual desire or difficulty experiencing sexual pleasure, especially in women. Today, we understand this through modern diagnostic lenses as:

• Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD)

• Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

• Sexual aversion due to trauma, stress, or relationship issues

The key shift: It’s not a character flaw. It’s a treatable condition—and sex therapy can help.

🧠 Why Low Sexual Desire Happens

Sexual interest is influenced by multiple factors—biological, psychological, social, and relational. Common causes include:

Biological:

• Hormonal imbalances (low estrogen/testosterone)

• Menopause or postpartum changes

• Medication side effects (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics)

• Chronic illness, pain, or fatigue

Psychological:

• Stress, anxiety, or depression

• Body image issues

• History of sexual trauma or abuse

• Cultural shame or conditioning

Relational:

• Emotional disconnect with partner

• Unresolved anger or communication gaps

• Mismatched desire levels

• Routine or boredom in the relationship

🛠️ How Sex Therapy Can Help

Sex therapy is a non-judgmental, confidential space where individuals and couples can explore intimacy and sexual concerns with a trained professional.

✅ 1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Medical, sexual, emotional, and relationship history

• Screening for hormonal issues, trauma, mental health disorders

✅ 2. Psychoeducation

• Understanding sexual response cycle

• Debunking myths about desire

• Helping clients (and partners) reframe “frigidity” as a modifiable pattern, not a fixed trait

✅ 3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Desire

• Addressing negative beliefs (“I’m not attractive,” “I shouldn’t want sex”)

• Managing performance anxiety or shame

• Exploring sexual scripts and automatic thoughts

✅ 4. Sensate Focus Exercises

• A gradual, non-demanding touch-based technique developed by Masters & Johnson

• Rebuilds physical intimacy through presence, comfort, and curiosity

• Helps reconnect mind and body in a safe, consensual way

✅ 5. Mindfulness and Body Awareness

• Teaching clients to tune into sensations and emotional cues

• Practices like guided relaxation, body scanning, or grounding techniques

✅ 6. Couples Therapy and Communication Skills

• Creating safety to talk about preferences, fears, and fantasies

• Conflict resolution and emotional intimacy building

• Exploring non-sexual closeness first (holding hands, eye contact, affirmations)

💬 Real-Life Case Snapshot

Radha, 36, presented with “lack of interest in sex” after childbirth. She felt guilty, disconnected, and pressured. Through a combination of CBT, couples sessions, and sensate focus work, she gradually regained sexual confidence and comfort. Her relationship improved as her partner learned to listen without judgment.

⚠️ When to Refer to Other Specialists

• Suspected hormonal imbalances → Endocrinologist or gynecologist

• History of sexual abuse → Trauma-focused psychotherapy

• Severe depression or PTSD → Psychiatrist or clinical psychologist

• Pelvic pain → Physiotherapist or sexologist

📍 Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
Consultant Psychiatrist – Adult, Child & Relationship Therapy
Apollo Clinics Velachery & Tambaram | Mind & Memory Lab
🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com | 📞 +91 85951 55808
Providing confidential, respectful sex therapy and couples counseling for those struggling with intimacy and sexual wellness.