Sexual frustration

Sexual frustration is a sense of dissatisfaction stemming from a discrepancy between a person's desired and achieved sexual activity. It may result from physical, legal, mental, emotional, social, financial, religious or spiritual barriers. It can derive from displeasure during sex due to issues such as anorgasmia, anaphrodisia, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. A sense of incompatibility or discrepancy in libido between partners may be involved. It may also relate to broader existential frustration.

Sexual frustration can potentially have a number of consequences, and like other frustrations, can increase the risks of aggression, violence, or crime. Some mass shooters, incels, and other criminals have cited sexual frustration as one reason for their anger.

Historical methods of dealing with sexual frustration have included fasting and the taking of libido suppressants such as anaphrodisiacs (food supplements) or antaphrodisiacs (medicinal supplements). It can also affect the sexually active, especially hypersexual people. It is a natural stage of the development throughout youth, when going through puberty as a teenager.

Ways to cope with sexual frustration include engaging in solo sex, meditating, exercising, exploring new techniques, discussing and being open with one's partner about sexual frustrations, or seeking professional assistance through a sex therapist.