What Is Arousal Disorder? Causes, Symptoms + What You Can Do

 

What is arousal disorder, really? It’s a question many people ask themselves in silence—often feeling confused, frustrated, or even ashamed. If you’ve ever struggled with a lack of desire or felt like your body just isn’t responding the way it used to, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken.

Arousal disorder describes difficulty becoming or staying sexually aroused—mentally, physically, or both. This can affect people of any gender, and it often shows up in ways that are both confusing and discouraging. You might feel the desire to connect with your partner but notice your body isn’t cooperating. Or you might feel completely disconnected from your sexual self altogether.

In this video, I’m breaking down exactly what arousal disorder is, why it happens, and most importantly—what you can do to heal. Because yes, there is hope.

Common causes include hormonal changes (like during menopause or after childbirth), chronic stress, anxiety, unresolved trauma, relationship strain, or even side effects from medications such as antidepressants or birth control. It’s also worth noting that societal pressure, shame, or unrealistic expectations about sex can play a role in how we experience arousal.

Symptoms can range from low or absent desire, trouble becoming physically aroused, difficulty maintaining arousal, or feeling emotionally distant during intimacy. And all of that can take a toll—not just on your relationships, but on your self-esteem.

But here’s the thing: arousal is a complex dance between your mind, body, and emotions. And when one part falls out of sync, it doesn’t break you—it simply creates space for healing.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on—so you can reconnect with your body, your pleasure, and your power.

 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.