Sex is an essential and integral part of any healthy adult lifestyle. But when sexual frustration strikes, it can severely impact your quality of life. You can define sexual frustration as dissatisfaction due to a lack of sexual activity or sexual expression.
It can stem from various sources, such as an unfulfilled libido, difficulty in relationships, embarrassment over body image issues, cultural taboos or even physical illnesses that interfere with sex.
Unresolved sexual frustration could lead to anger, depression, and even anxiety if left unchecked. Here, in this blog, we will talk about the significant signs and symptoms of sexual frustration so that you can better recognise the signs and take steps to address them before they become too big of a problem.
Table of Contents:
- Signs of Sexual Frustration
- Symptoms of Sexually Frustrated People
- Long-Term Effects of Sexual Frustration
- Conclusion
Signs of Sexual Frustration
Sexual frustration can manifest in different ways, depending on the individual. Some signs and symptoms to look out for include:
- Low self-esteem or a lack of confidence in your sexuality.
- Irritability, short temper and angry outbursts.
- A constant need or craving for sexual contact.
- Fantasising about sex too often.
- Inability to sleep, including falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Lack of interest in food and other activities that were once pleasurable.
- An inability to concentrate on tasks without sexual thoughts entering your mind.
- Feeling lonely and isolated from others, despite being physically around them.
- An excessive need for physical touch (like hugging), even in platonic relationships.
Symptoms of Sexually Frustrated People
Aside from signs that may tell you if you are sexually frustrated yourself, there might be signs that your partner or someone close to you is dealing with sexual frustration. These signs may include:
- Overly sensitive reactions and a tendency to take things too seriously or personally.
- An inability to express emotions like anger without coming across as aggressive or hostile.
- An inability to express strong emotions like sadness without getting aggressive or hostile.
- Constant complaints about lack of sex or unsatisfactory sex life.
- Low interest levels in their usual activities, like hobbies, friends, and work.
- A reluctance to engage in physical affection or intimacy outside the bedroom.
Long-Term Effects of Sexual Frustration
If left unresolved, sexual frustration can lead to more significant issues such as depression and anxiety. You may start feeling hopeless or helpless, resulting in low self-esteem that can impact your mental and physical health.
It may also lead to aggressive or controlling behaviour. When sexual frustration is at an extreme level, it can even cause symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), such as rituals and compulsions associated with sex.
It’s better to address any issue, not just sexual frustration, as soon as circumstances cause a problem that impacts your life. Don’t suffer in silence. Doing nothing is often the worst thing you can do. Generally, problems don’t disappear; they may leave temporarily, only to return with greater impact. Click the link to read more about relationship red flags.
What Can You Do About Sexual Frustration?
The best way to deal with sexual frustration is by communicating with your partner or close friends about how you feel. It’s important to be honest about your needs and desires so that you can work towards finding a solution together.
If the problem lies in feeling insecure, find ways to boost your confidence, such as talking to a therapist, joining classes or getting a makeover to help build confidence.
Taking part in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment, like sports, exercise or hobbies, can also help to take your mind off sex and reduce sexual tension.
If medical issues cause your sexual frustration, then talk to your doctor about possible treatments that may help you.
What Can You Do If You’re Without a Partner?
Suppose you suffer emotionally from sexual frustration because you don’t have a partner. In that case, it might be worth investing all the excess energy into finding someone who feels like you do - after all, sexual frustration isn’t confined to gender or sexual orientation.
If you can’t find someone that shares your feelings, then it might be worth exploring other ways to satisfy yourself without a partner. This could include solo sexual activities or watching porn if you’re comfortable with it.
Read more about the best condoms for feeling - it might make you laugh, if nothing else.
Additionally, there are many social events and websites where people in similar situations can come together and share their experiences of the struggles of being single. Dating apps are available and can be a short-term answer to a long-term problem.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that dating apps offer the chance for a longer-term relationship and so it’s worth making it clear to a potential partner what your intentions are from the start.
Conclusion
Sexual frustration is a natural feeling that many different factors can cause. It’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms of sexual frustration in yourself and others, as it can have serious long-term effects if left unresolved.
There are many ways to address sexual frustration, whether you have a partner or not - effective communication with your partner or friends is key, as well as looking after yourself and getting involved in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. If medical issues are at play, it’s also worth speaking to a doctor about possible treatments to help alleviate any symptoms.
The essential thing is to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer - each person’s experience of sexual frustration will be unique, and it’s worth exploring different solutions to find the right approach for you.
If you’re feeling sexually frustrated and need further help, consider seeking professional advice from a sex therapist or counsellor. It’ll allow you to talk through your feelings in a safe space to understand them better and work towards resolving them.
