This week our own sex expert Dr. Glickman provided advice for a reader who has a low sex drive. It seems TV's Dr. Drew wanted to weigh in too. Writing in the New York Times, Dr. Drew says "sexual anorexia" — when a person has little or no sex — should be treated with as much rigor as sexual addiction. He labels it an intimacy disorder and explains: "Interestingly, the anorexia commonly kicks in when a patient gets involved with someone who might be genuinely available for true intimate connection."
Since, as Dr. Glickman explains in our column, so many factors can negatively impact arousal (including, prescription medication, medical issues, sexual abuse, or a simple lack of self-exploration) it seems problematic to call anyone who is not having regular sex a "sexual anorexic." And it strikes me as potentially irresponsible to use the term "anorexia" loosely in this manner, since it's already a serious, life-threatening condition. It's not as if someone will die from refraining from sex, while the same is not true for those who deny themselves food.
Still, while our sex drives and sex lives can go up and down, there is a difference between choosing not to have sex, and having a fear of intimacy. If we're going to treat sex addiction, those unsatisfied with their low sex drive should get help too. Let's just hope the term "sexual anorexia" doesn't catch on.
Karen Millen
Adidas
Martick Jewellery
I agree, they should find a better term to use. Anorexia is a totally distinct condition, and using the term in the manner they do implies that "sexual anorexia" is just another form of anorexia.
1What next? Sexual bulimia? *scratching head*
2Going all anonymous here...while the title/name isn't so great, I swear my BF has this. I always have to initiate, and our sex life is seriously suffering. He's even said on more than one occasion that it's just not something that he thinks about. Boo
3Well, it's not great, but "anorexia" basically means a loss of appetite. It can be food, but it could be sexual as well.
4I had a few months were the sex drive was simply not there. This was directly associated with stress in my life at the time. It's very difficult to sort out and having to reassure doubting partner that it's not them it's you ads even more stress to the pot. Meditation seemed to help a lot though.
5Haha, seriously, fuzzles. Sexual binge and purge.
I also believe another name should be established. This term may lead to an association between the two that isn't there.
6I totally have this. I have heard of this term before and knew it was me. I have been able to have many sexually satisfying relationships and then, once in a committed relationship and one day I feared he cheated on me it was like a switch went off and I lost my drive to have sex with him.
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