Sexual aversion differs from hyposexual desire disorder in that:
A aversion is physiologically used; hyposexual disorder is psychologically caused.
B aversion is a male disorder; hyposexual disorder is a female disorder.
C aversion is helped with aphrodisiacs, hyposexual disorder is not.
D aversion leads to infertility, hyposexual disorder to conception.
E aversion is disgust with sex; hyposexual disorder is low desire.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: E. Aversion is disgust with sex; hyposexual disorder is low desire.
Explanation:
Sexual aversion and hyposexual desire disorder are both sexual dysfunctions, but they differ significantly in their emotional and psychological manifestations.
Hyposexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a lack of interest or desire for sexual activity. It involves reduced or absent sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. This condition is not necessarily linked to negative feelings toward sex; rather, the person simply has little to no interest in engaging in it. HSDD can be caused by psychological factors such as depression, stress, past trauma, or relationship issues, and sometimes by biological factors such as hormone imbalances or certain medications. The person may still engage in sex occasionally, especially to please a partner, but lacks personal motivation or enjoyment.
Sexual Aversion Disorder, on the other hand, involves a strong aversion or repulsion toward sexual activity. Individuals with this disorder may experience intense fear, anxiety, or disgust at the thought of sex. This reaction often leads them to avoid all genital contact with a partner. It can be rooted in past sexual trauma, negative conditioning, or anxiety disorders. The key feature distinguishing it from HSDD is the presence of active negative emotions, rather than just low or absent desire.
To summarize:
- HSDD = Lack of desire without negative emotions toward sex.
- Sexual Aversion = Active avoidance and disgust toward sex.
Thus, Option E is the most accurate distinction between the two disorders.
Other options (A–D) contain incorrect assumptions. For example, sexual aversion is not gender-specific (B), and aphrodisiacs are not a clinically supported treatment for either disorder (C). Neither disorder directly causes infertility or increased conception (D).