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What is Gynophobia?

Pamela Pleasant
Pamela Pleasant

Gynophobia refers to irrational fears associated with female body parts or bodily functions such as menstruation, the breasts, or vagina. It also can refer to the fear of females altogether. The symptoms of this phobia can be moderate to severe and they can range from a nervousness or panic when interacting with a woman, to an inability to be around women. A strong hatred towards women can develop. Typically, there may have been some kind of abuse done to the male suffering with this psychological condition, probably at the hands of a female.

A traumatic childhood event is generally believed to be the primary cause for this phobia. This usually happens when the male child is close to approaching puberty. It can also happen from a systematic female behavior that the sufferer observed for a number of years. For example, if a mother is strict and does not show her son love and affection, over time he may start to believe that all females behave in this manner. This can begin a cycle of hatred towards all women.

Yoga might be helpful for some men with gynophobia.
Yoga might be helpful for some men with gynophobia.

Homosexuality is not to be confused with gynophobia. Homosexual men do not, by nature, become stressed or anxious about being around women. Though they are attracted to men sexually, they do not fear the vagina or breasts. Some men who suffer with this phobia can have what appears to be a normal relationship with women. These relationships can also stay in place until the male is confronted with the thought of a sexual relationship.

A person with gynophobia may fear a woman's vagina.
A person with gynophobia may fear a woman's vagina.

Occasionally, gynophobia is a symptom of another disorder. Anxiety and panic disorders can be responsible for a fear of women, or sex, but in some cases that is not due to a hatred of women. The male might even want to have sex, but is unable to achieve an erection when put in a sexual situation. Certain mental disorders that include schizophrenia or bipolar depression can produce feelings of hatred towards women, even if they are just hallucinations. Until these disorders are under control, the negative feelings can remain.

Gynophobia may refer to irrational fears associated with menstruation.
Gynophobia may refer to irrational fears associated with menstruation.

The treatments for gynophobia can vary depending on what caused it. Certain mental disorders can be controlled by medication. Anxiety-related phobias can be helped by learning relaxation techniques. Behavioral and exposure therapies and meditation, therapeutic massage, and yoga can be treatments for males who have gynophobia as a result of an abusive childhood.

Discussion Comments

anon927419

What has historically made homosexuality a "deviant" characteristic is that 97 percent of men discover a powerful attraction to females from puberty. For the 3 percent who are not attracted, it is not so much that they fear females, but rather that they don't have any feelings one way or another.

anon293735

@anon154157: You disagree because you are overlooking the qualifier. The point is that homosexual men do not become stressed or anxious about being around women by nature of being homosexual. In other words, if a gay man *is* repulsed by "girl parts," there is something going on aside from him being gay.

anon154157

I disagree with your statement, "Homosexual men do not, by nature, become stressed or anxious about being around women. Though they are attracted to men sexually, they do not fear the vagina or breasts."

There are many gay men who are completely repulsed by girl parts. And there are some who are not. Either can be comfortable around women, but mention "vagina" to one of the fearful and he will recoil.

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    • Yoga might be helpful for some men with gynophobia.
      By: furmananna
      Yoga might be helpful for some men with gynophobia.
    • A person with gynophobia may fear a woman's vagina.
      By: isyste
      A person with gynophobia may fear a woman's vagina.
    • Gynophobia may refer to irrational fears associated with menstruation.
      By: lukasmajercik
      Gynophobia may refer to irrational fears associated with menstruation.
    • Certain mental disorders such as bipolar depression can produce feelings of hatred towards women.
      By: fotosmile777
      Certain mental disorders such as bipolar depression can produce feelings of hatred towards women.
    • Most gynophobia begins with traumatic or upsetting events during childhood.
      By: emde71
      Most gynophobia begins with traumatic or upsetting events during childhood.
    • Gynophobia refers to irrational fears associated with bodily functions such as menstruation.
      By: reineg
      Gynophobia refers to irrational fears associated with bodily functions such as menstruation.