Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by Mike Robinson

What is Phallophobia?

Some people are unable to confront the male sexual organ due to a fear known as phallophobia. This fear can even cause an instant loss of control. This condition can occur in both men and women. Some people identify as asexual because they don’t feel able to feel any sexual attraction. Although many people might think this is a sign of phallophobia, it is different. Consider that terrifying thoughts, videos, or photos can cause extreme terror in phobic people.

Who hasn’t experienced being overcome by a circumstance over which they previously lacked control? We have all had personal experiences with fear that left us defenseless and unable to handle a particular situation.

The word “phobia” describes an irrational fear that some people experience despite knowing the unfounded threat. They cannot control themselves because of the dominating feelings of panic they experience.  

Symptoms of Phallophobia

Although this fear initially appears to be closely related to some form of sexual abuse, its exact origin is unclear. Phallophobia can cause a person to avoid sexual activity altogether. It can also cause anxiety before getting naked, giving a passionate kiss, or even the thought of becoming pregnant. In this way, one starts to feel many uncomfortable symptoms when exposed to or thinking about the male sexual organ:

• Lack of sexual desire
• Panic attacks

These symptoms I have just detailed may vary depending on the subject. There are three factors to consider:

1. State of mind
2. degree of fear
3. Personality type

With this, I want to tell you that some people are more susceptible to fear and phobias than others.

Causes of Phallophobia

Like the symptoms, the causes of phallophobia can differ for each person. But this kind of phobia is caused by some trauma. This kind of trauma happens when people are young, more prone to fear, and more emotionally fragile.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse, especially by older men, is a common cause. People close to the children, such as those connected to their environment, friends, or even members of their own family, are frequently the men who abuse them. In addition to inspiring fear in men, this fact also results in a serious lack of confidence in men, which may make it extremely difficult for men to build relationships with other men over time.

Painful Sexual Intercourse

Due to extremely painful sex, many people experience sexual disorders. This causes an uncontrollable fear of the penis and a loss of sexual desire because of the association between the pain and the male organ.

Low Self-esteem 

People with low self-confidence (low self-esteem) may occasionally experience low levels of sexual desire. In the most severe cases of insecurity, the subject may experience fear or panic toward the other sex and his sexual organ.

Personal Impact of Phallophobia

Imagine how bad this fear is if a person stays a virgin their whole life because they don’t like sex. Also, they don’t like compromising, so they don’t have stable relationships or close ties with other people in their environment. 

This makes them afraid of social situations and leaves them alone. This unfounded fear affects the person’s daily life so much that it gets in the way of interactions with others. For example, it could cause a couple to break up or a marriage to fail. 

A person with phallophobia may also have panic attacks, trouble breathing normally, have a fast heart rate, or even be unable to speak or think clearly. 

There are cases of characters who are always afraid of something. For the phobic, being in a relationship with another person means always being in danger.

Treatment Options

There are different types of treatments for those who are in this situation:

Medication

Several medications are available that help to control the anxiety and panic attacks derived from the phobia. It is advisable to see a professional and discuss the best options based on the individual’s situation. 

Therapy

The most advisable long-term solution is therapy. It is possible to treat phobias, so they stop controlling our daily lives by getting to the root of the problem, comprehending its causes, and participating in therapy. The three types of therapies professionals use to treat phobias are: 

• Cognitive-behavioral shock therapy: During this short therapy, the patient receives small tests that help with their mental health. In other words, it tries to change how a person reacts to an event by imitating how that person sees or thinks about it.
• Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy helps the patient react differently to a specific stimulus. The patient is exposed to the feared thing or situation, a little at a time. This exposure allows them to tolerate and eventually be unaffected by the male organ in this case. 
• Social Therapy: This therapy helps patients regain their self-confidence and faith in those around them by helping them realize that not everyone is out to get them.

Other Phobias Related to Sexuality.

Numerous phobias are in the category belonging to the sexual realm in the vast world of phobias. Some of the most crucial ones are listed below:

• Gymnophobia: Fearing one’s own nakedness and the nakedness of others. Most of the time, it comes from how the mind imagines the body should be.
• Genophobia is about the fear of sex. Thus, people with this phobia suffer blockages in intimate moments, making it impossible for them to have sex.
• Vaginismus is a phobia in many women who are afraid of being penetrated. They may feel panicky when going to the gynecologist for an examination.
• Venustraphobia: This is a peculiar phobia. It is the fear that men have of beautiful women.
• Agraphobia: It is the fear of being a victim of sexual abuse. It is usually suffered by those who have suffered abuse at some point or have witnessed it directly.
• Medolmacuphobia: The phobia is more common among men, dealing with the fear of losing an erection.
• Eurotophobia is one of the most common male phobias. It is about the fear of the female vagina. The person with this phobia has a mental block, and it is impossible to evolve in relationships.
• Erotophobia: This phobia is the fear of talking about erotic situations. It is not related to shyness and shame but is a trauma for these people.

Conclusion:

Phallophobic individuals may believe they are alone, and no one will comprehend their situation. They consequently frequently isolate themselves and steer clear of social gatherings. This behavior, in turn, makes anxiety and even depression worse. However, phallophobia can be treated just like any other phobia. Don’t be ashamed. Seek help, and you will soon lead a normal, healthy life.

Also read Arachnophobia: causes, symptoms, and treatment.