There is no disease which can be directly said to be of sexual frustration. More surprisingly, a survey conducted in 2018 found that “sexless” people have levels of happiness as good as sexually active people. However, extended frustration leads to sad and grievous psychological and emotional consequences. Scientific studies prove that frustration in sexuality increases the scope of violence, aggression, and crime. Besides this, restrained sexual behaviour decreases employee productivity in the workplace.
It also indicates a connection between sexual frustration and depression, stress, and lower rates of general mental well-being. In some cases, individuals will engage in risky sexual behaviours as a means of coping with frustration. This can result in sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies.
Signs of Sexual Frustration
The symptoms of sexual frustration are identifiable, and the seriousness may be halted before it affects health or relationships. Some key signs of the condition include:
- Excessive Irritability and Mood Swings: You may often experience high irritability and frequent mood swings.
- Obsessive Thoughts about Sex: Your sex-related thoughts can begin ruminating as a constant thought.
- Loss of Self-Esteem: You might lose confidence and also avoid sexual activities
- Increased Anxious Feeling: It can increase anxiety or stress.
- Risk Sexual Behaviour: Some people may become aggressive for the practice of more riskier sexual activities to meet the unsatisfied sexual needs.
- Relationship Tension: Unresolved frustration may easily lead to creating fight and emotional distance with a loved one.
- Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Coping becomes unhealthy when people begin binge eating or excessive drinking, among many other kinds of unpleasant coping behavior.
If you have any of these signs in your self then it is high time to handle them proactively.
Possible Causes of Sexual Frustration
Sexual frustration may be due to several causes. Such causes are as follows:
1. Lack of Sexual Partners
Sometimes, one is sex-ready but does not have a partner. This can be owing to singleness, a long-distance relationship, or with a partner who is unable or unwilling to make love at the moment.
2. Unrealistic Standards
Sexual partners can put unrealistic standards on each other or engage in unwanted activities which leads to frustration, shame, or self-blaming.
3. Poor Communication
Lack of ability to communicate sexual wants or needs often leads to frustration. The gaps can be bridged and issues resolved through better communication of desires as well as explicit boundaries.
4. Medically Related
Some health conditions may come in to affect the pleasure of sexual intercourse including Erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and hormonal imbalances. Certain prescribed medications such as antidepressants, opioids, and birth control pills also contribute to an overall dampening of sexual desire or performance.
5. Body Image Issues
A poor genital self-image can cause one from experiencing and enjoying their sexual experiences. Various studies indicate that there is an erosion of sexual satisfaction among both males and females who have a negative genital self-image.
Controlling Sexual Frustration
Sexual frustration may be controlled as stated below if one is found having the following needs:
1. Communication with a Partner
If you’re together, communication is open. Discuss what each of you needs, wants, and concerns, ensuring the two of you are sexually satisfied. Sometimes lack of alignment in sexual desires can be resolved through simple conversations.
2. Self-Care and Masturbation
Masturbation is healthy too for the release of sexual tension and mood uplifting. Since masturbation enables individuals to experiment with their bodies, freedom to drain physical and mental frustration is guaranteed. Good self-practices like exercise plus adequate sleep combined with meditation can be good for sustaining greater mental clarity and minimizes stress too.
3. Explore Other Forms of Intimacy
All intimacy does not necessarily have to be sexual in nature. Holding hands, cuddling, and good quality time with a partner can create emotional closeness and help out during the situation of sexual frustration.
4. Virtual Intimacy
Virtual sex, such as sexting or phone sex, can help individuals who are far apart or unmarried satisfy their needs for intimacy. Virtual closeness brings individuals closer together and reduces feelings of frustration.
5. Physical Activity
Exercise is a fantastic way to relieve pent-up energy. It does not only melt away stress but also increases sex drive by facilitating blood circulation and releasing endorphins, which will then be capable of elevating one’s mood and encouraging relaxation.
6. Emphasise Non-Sexual Outlets
Channel your energy into something productive, be it art projects, parties, or volunteer work. Such doings may help take you away from sexual tension, and you can become satisfied with other parts of your life.
7. Consult a Professional
Symptoms of sexual frustration at times reach an unmanageable point, becoming beyond sexual frustrations or affecting other aspects of life, when seeking a sex therapist or counselor. These people can help with more profound issues, such as body image issues, intimacy problems, or relationship problems.
Sexual Frustrations and Relationships
Sexual dissatisfaction can be quite impact on a relationship. A long-term relationship may deteriorate to frustration, emotional disengagement, and communication conflict resulting from sexual dissatisfaction. According to one study, the declines in relationship satisfaction over time could be offset by high early sexual satisfaction. Therefore, relieving sexual frustration often benefits the health and stability of the relationship.
Final Words
Sexual frustration is normal and common; it occurs with anyone at any age and walk of life. In fact, sexual frustration is a little more practical than this; there are many effective ways to handle the situation. Actually, open communication with your partner, personal care, exploring intimacy beyond sex, and managing any other medical condition can be of much help in dealing with sexual frustration. If sexual frustration begins to affect your mental or emotional health, don’t wait to get some professional guidance. With the proper attitude towards their sexuality, one can balance and achieve satisfaction in sexual life.
