Have you ever felt ashamed of your sexual desires or experiences? Maybe you’ve struggled with feeling like you’re not “normal” or that there’s something wrong with you. If so, you’re not alone. Shame around sexuality is incredibly common, yet it’s a topic that is often shrouded in secrecy and silence.
The Link Between Shame and Sexual Desire
A survey by Herbenick et al. of 1,055 women found that 55% of the respondents reported choosing not to talk about sex with their intimate partner, despite wanting to. This lack of communication can lead to limited sexual satisfaction for both partners.
The reasons for avoiding sexual communication were varied, but many stem from a place of shame. The study found that:
- 40.2% of respondents reported feeling uncomfortable going into details about sex.
- 37.7% cited embarrassment as the reason for avoiding sexual communication.
- 35% of respondents didn’t know how to ask for what they wanted sexually.
- 18.3% didn’t want to seem demanding.
These feelings of discomfort and shame can make it difficult for individuals to express themselves fully and can lead to unsatisfying sexual experiences.
How To Shift Perspectives on Sexual Shame?
It’s important to recognize that sexual shame is not uncommon and can stem from various sources. However, it’s equally important to note that there are ways to overcome it and reclaim a positive relationship with one’s sexuality.
Reframe Beliefs
It’s possible to challenge and reframe the religious or cultural beliefs that may have contributed to sexual shame. This involves exploring one’s personal values and beliefs around sex and relationships and finding ways to align these with more positive and affirming perspectives.
For example, someone who grew up in a conservative religious household may have been taught that sex before marriage is sinful and should be avoided at all costs. This belief can lead to feelings of guilt and shame if they engage in sexual activity before marriage.
By reframing this belief, they can explore the possibility that consensual sexual activity is a normal and healthy part of the human experience. They can also consider that sexual activity can express love and intimacy within a committed relationship rather than something to be avoided or ashamed of.
Embrace Diversity
Celebrating the diversity of human sexuality limits the pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations. Societal and cultural norms can be a source of comfort and belonging for some people, and isn’t inherently a bad thing! The challenge for most people is that their bodies might respond differently to their cultural or societal norms, to the norms taught to them by their families or faith, or a person might find themselves with a partner they deeply love from another culture where their lived experience doesn’t translate. This is where shame creeps in as people compare themselves to who they think they should be as sexual beings.
The process of relieving the shame that people feel, especially in the United States, is not always a comfortable process but is very achievable. Curiosity, looking for shared sexual values, listening to your body and how it responds to sexually related ideas or expressions, and being pleasure oriented rather than outcome oriented can be great ways of demystifying sexuality, empowering exploration, and enable people to find new ways to celebrate pleasure in its many different forms.
Build Positive Experiences
By actively pursuing positive sexual experiences, and skills through developing awareness and sexual literacy, individuals can counteract the impact of negative ones. This involves cultivating a supportive and communicative relationship with a partner, engaging in self-exploration, or seeking educational resources on sexual health and wellbeing.
For instance, attending workshops or reading books on consent, sexual pleasure, and communication can provide valuable insights and tools for enhancing one’s sexual experiences.
Discover a New Level of Sexual Confidence and Fulfillment
Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma or abuse can work with therapists to process their experiences. PNW Sex Therapy Collective offers telehealth and in-person therapy sessions where we can help you develop coping mechanisms to manage feelings of shame and guilt.
Reclaim agency over your sexuality and develop a healthier, more positive relationship with your bodies and desires. Book an appointment with one of our experienced therapists today.
