Frigidity – What Is It, Why Does It Occur & How Is Frigidity Treated

Around 10% of women experience frigidity, meaning they find it difficult to become aroused or to feel sexual desire. This often goes hand in hand with other experiences, such as anorgasmia (the inability to reach orgasm) and loss of sexual desire. In this article you'll find a detailed look at the different forms of frigidity, what causes them and whether you can prevent them.

Problems of this kind can be resolved with the support of a specialist who can recommend suitable treatments. So if you suspect you may be affected by frigidity, don't hesitate to seek professional help – so that you can continue to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

What is frigidity? 

Frigidity is a disorder of female sexuality characterised by an inability to feel pleasure or reach orgasm during intercourse, difficulty becoming aroused, as well as an aversion to – or lack of interest in – any form of sexual activity.

Although it isn't a serious condition physically, frigidity can put a strain on a relationship. When physical intimacy is declined, a partner may interpret this as a lack of affection and feel rejected – which can create emotional distance between the two of you.

How common is frigidity in women? 

Frigidity is a common phenomenon that can occur at any age and at any stage of life.

It may manifest as a persistent absence of sexual desire, or as an occasional, temporary loss of libido – for instance during stressful periods when exhaustion and irritability take over, or during menstruation, when rest, recovery and natural period care take priority.

According to statistics, around 10% of women experience such states. 

How to recognise frigidity

A diagnosis of frigidity is made by a doctor, but there are certain signs that may point to the problem.

If you notice that your sexual attraction to your partner is waning (or that the moments when you feel drawn to him are becoming far less frequent), if intercourse feels like a chore and any sexual suggestion bothers you, or if your interest in sex suddenly drops off, these could be symptoms of frigidity.

Forms of frigidity 

Depending on when it appears, frigidity is divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Here's what each involves and which symptoms occur:

Primary frigidity 

When sexual desire has been absent from the very beginning of a woman's sex life, this is known as primary frigidity. This form may be linked to a very restrictive upbringing, certain moral beliefs and various phobias that create a negative perception of intimacy and sexuality.

Secondary frigidity 

When sexual desire diminishes or disappears after a woman's sex life has begun – specifically following a longer period of fulfilling sexual activity – this is referred to as secondary frigidity. It can be triggered by a wider and more numerous range of factors than primary frigidity; we'll look at these in the next section.

Frigidity – causes  

There are a great many possible causes behind a decline in sexual desire, and they often can't be pinned down with certainty. They may be psychological, such as stress and exhaustion, but also physical (pain during intercourse, health problems, hormonal changes) or emotional (trauma, relationship difficulties and so on).

A new stage of life, such as pregnancy or having recently given birth, can also trigger a period of frigidity.

Frigidity – physical causes 

The most common physical causes of frigidity include:

• Hormonal disorders (which can trigger a loss of libido)
• Physical changes during certain life stages (e.g. during pregnancy, postpartum or the menopause)
• Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse)

Frigidity – psycho-emotional causes 

Psychological, social and emotional factors have a particularly strong influence on a woman's sex life. That's why any negative experience or feeling can also lead to reduced interest in intimacy. The most common psycho-emotional causes of frigidity include:

• Feelings of shame or guilt relating to sexuality
• Low self-esteem
• Previous traumatic or painful sexual experiences
• Problems within the relationship and in communicating with your partner
• Stress and exhaustion
• Anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders
• Various phobias (e.g. fear of pain during intercourse, or of consequences such as pregnancy and infections)

Frigidity – medical causes  

Frigidity can be the result of certain illnesses or long-term treatments. In this case we speak of medical causes, such as:

• Health problems and chronic conditions (diabetes, kidney failure, sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, bladder problems, cancer and so on)
• Sexually transmitted or other infections
• Gynaecological conditions or malformations of the vagina
• Recent surgery (e.g. removal of the uterus or ovaries)

A lack of sexual desire can even result from taking certain medications that dampen the libido. These include antidepressants, as well as treatments for high blood pressure, allergies or cancer.

What's the difference between frigidity and other forms of female sexual dysfunction?

Frigidity specifically describes the inability to feel arousal, pleasure or sexual attraction. It is just one of the forms of female sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction, on the other hand, is an umbrella term covering several disorders – including a lack of sexual desire (frigidity). Other forms include dyspareunia (pain before, during or after intercourse), vaginismus (involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles, making penetration very painful) and anorgasmia (the inability to experience orgasm).

Frigidity – how is it diagnosed?

To diagnose frigidity, the gynaecologist will first take a medical history and carry out the necessary examinations and tests to rule out gynaecological causes. They may then additionally recommend a series of hormone tests and a consultation with a psychotherapist in order to obtain the clearest possible indication of the cause.

Unfortunately, the exact cause can't always be determined, as so many factors are involved in changes to libido – all the more so when there are no obvious physical or medical causes.

In such cases, a hypothesis is formed on the basis of the medical history, which can later be confirmed or ruled out. The aim is to observe whether the symptoms improve once the suspected causes are treated.

Frigidity – treatment options  

Open communication is the foundation of any treatment. Whether with your partner or with a specialist, it's the first and most important step towards identifying the root of the problem.

Once this has been identified, one or more forms of treatment may be recommended depending on the cause:

Psychological counselling 

If the frigidity stems from trauma or other psycho-emotional disorders, psychological counselling is advisable. This can take place either individually or as couples therapy. The aim of these sessions is to break down psychological and emotional barriers.

Medication

If a health problem has caused the loss of libido, the appropriate treatment will be recommended – either medication or, in severe cases, surgery (for example with certain gynaecological conditions).

If, on the other hand, the aversion to sex is due to medication taken for a particular condition, adjusting the dose or switching to a different preparation is advisable.

Hormone therapy  

In cases of frigidity resulting from hormonal changes – particularly the drop in oestrogen typical of the menopause – your doctor may recommend oral or vaginal hormone treatment. If the cause lies in an imbalance of hormone levels, medication to support hormonal balance may likewise be prescribed.

Managing pain during intercourse 

If the inability to feel pleasure during intercourse is because the act itself is painful and uncomfortable, treatment consists of using lubricants and vaginal creams, combined with relaxation techniques and trying more comfortable sexual positions.

Techniques for increasing arousal

There are also various approaches you can try to awaken sexual interest. These include massage, the use of erotic material, masturbation, and varying sexual activities in order to explore your own sexuality and avoid falling into routine.

Foods that boost libido 

Eating so-called aphrodisiac foods and supplements can also have a positive effect on libido. Those with the greatest potential to boost sexual desire are:

• Dark chocolate
• Avocado
• Eggs
• Pomegranates
• Berries
• Beetroot
• Ginger
• Ginseng
• Maca powder
• Nuts and seeds
• Red meat
• Saffron
• Shellfish
• Chilli

Yoga  

Meditation and breathing techniques, yoga and other practices for relaxation and stress management can also form part of the treatment for frigidity when stress, anxiety or persistent exhaustion are among the contributing factors.

Can frigidity be prevented? 

It's perfectly normal for libido to decline when certain unavoidable events occur in your life – a traumatic situation, a shock, a serious illness, or a period full of change such as becoming a mother.

The good news, though, is that in other areas there are a number of preventive measures you can take to keep your sexual desire at a healthy level and ward off frigidity caused by stress, exhaustion, relationship difficulties or other emotional strain. Here are a few of them:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious, balanced diet, which can also have a positive effect on libido.
• Avoid unhealthy habits such as alcohol, tobacco and other substances, or excessive consumption of caffeine and refined sugar, as these can impair sexual desire.
• Exercise regularly to improve your circulation and, in turn, your sex life.

• Look after your mental health, talk openly with your partner, and don't hesitate to ask for help if certain states or feelings become overwhelming.

  

Frequently asked questions about frigidity 

If you still have questions about frigidity, this section is for you! We've answered the most common questions about lack of attraction and absence of sexual desire, clearly and concisely.

How do you know whether you're frigid? 

A decline in – or complete absence of – sexual interest, difficulty becoming aroused or reaching orgasm, an aversion to sexual activity, as well as discomfort or pain during intercourse, can all be signs of sexual dysfunction, including frigidity. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor in order to get an accurate diagnosis.

Why is communication with your partner so important when it comes to frigidity?  

Without communication, misunderstandings and misinterpretations can arise. Your partner may feel rejected, no longer loved, or no longer seen as attractive when your sexual desire decreases. Over time, all those suppressed feelings and unspoken words create distance and coldness in the relationship.

Open communication therefore prevents misunderstandings, helps to ease tension, reduces anxiety, improves intimacy and allows you to find solutions together with your partner.

Does frigidity occur during the menopause?  

Yes, the menopause can contribute to the development of frigidity due to falling oestrogen levels, which in turn can cause vaginal dryness and mood swings. In such cases, a specialist may recommend hormone treatment or other therapies.

Does pregnancy lead to a lack of sexual desire? 

Yes, pregnancy can have a negative effect on sexual desire, primarily because of the many changes taking place in the body: hormonal fluctuations, physical discomfort, exhaustion and mood swings. Some women, however, experience an increase in libido, particularly during the first and second trimesters – so it really does depend on the individual.

Can certain health problems lie behind frigidity?

Yes, frigidity can also arise from gynaecological conditions, hormonal imbalances, side effects of treatments, or mental health problems such as anxiety or depression. Your best chance of identifying the actual cause, however, is following an examination by a specialist.

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