Is an asexual orientation any different than homosexuality or heterosexuality in terms of etiology?

Question

Excluding, of course, medical issues that could result in a decreased drive for sex.

Wow, thanx Fr. Al. You have such a way with words. Thanx to my friend, MdGreg C too....and everyone else for your answers.

n4mwd: Thanx for so much detail. You seem very informed. I'm not sure how open you are to talking further but I am very interested to know whether it is a lack of sex drive or a repulsion for sex? As far as what MdGreg C's has said, I would think it is both--nature and nurture?

If you don't want to answer, I completely understand. This is a very private and personal issue.

So, if not, does anyone else know?

Fr. Al: Thank-you very, very much for your edit. VERY informative. I really appreciate it :-).

Answer 1

Human sexuality is a very wide and broad rainbow, asexual orientation is part of the spectrum at both ends and for various reasons all of them "natural" contrary to the beliefs of some people. This occurs in virtually every species of animal. A lot about the etiology is theoretical at best. It may be episodic, periodic, predominant, permanent, or part of a phase as sexual orientation shifts. Natural selection does not, of course, tend to favour such an orientation, but it occurs nonetheless.

[In the broad spectrum, both nature and nurture play a part. Body image is important, as is anatomical structure, neither of which is uniform in any respect. Male breasts are considered vestigial structures, but lactation in males is not entirely unknown even if none is ever likely to nurse an infant. There are those who feel themselves trapped in bodies of the opposite gender, as well as those who are hyper or hypo male or female, either/or both in image and anatomy. Some with indiscriminate anatomy receive a sexual assignment at birth, usually female (highly controversial).The hormonal load and balance vary widely between individuals, as do brain structures and genitalia having to do with sex and it's expression. Cultures and societies vary widely around the world in sexual mores and manners. Sexual initiation also affects orientation, either perceived or actual. Body parts seen by one person as highly erotic can inspire nothing short of absolute revulsion in another. One may be forced by one's environment and value system to sexual acts entirely contrary to one's orientation or inclination (i.e. an asexual or homosexual person submitting to marital intercourse because it is "expected" or an asexual or heterosexual person submitting to homosexual sex because of environmental or cultural pressures). You didn't even ask about bisexual orientation, another normal part of the spectrum which often gets criticised from both ****- and heterosexuals ("Well you're reallly....., only you won't admit it you phony!") There are, or were cultures that practised male sub-inscision, where a boy's sexual initiation before the operation was with older men in the men's house or lodge prior to the operation. Female circumcision is still practised in numerous cultures. There are those who find sex painful for various reasons. There is an ancient military culture going all the way back to Alexander the Great that places a very high value on male bonding, including homosexual practice, these men formed the elite of numerous armies throughout history. In Korea or WW II Cochin China you couldn't feel safer than having Gurkhas guarding your perimeter. A person of opposite orientation without suitable partner or stimuli quite easily expresses as "asexual", especially if their own values make their orientation taboo and their natural sex drive is low. If you throw celibacy in to the can of worms you come up with even more combinations and permutations. Sex drive also varies extremely across the entire spectrum, an entirely normal phenomenon. With so many variables it is easy to see why these things are the least understood part of everyone's makeup. Anyone telling you they have even the beginning of an understanding and explanation of their own, much less another's sexuality is either lying or terribly deluded.][n4mwd. there are also asexual/bisexial, asexual/transgendered, and simply asexual persons, those in marriages with comparable issues to those you describe. It's hell to be made something you aren't, or to be cut off from sexual activity or associations you would otherwise find pleasurable because you aren't accepted for who you are. The one thing that makes it bearable for some is the children they either have or don't have and the understanding of those who know and accept them for who they are.]

Answer 2

I Think it is the Result of Nature AND Nurture, I Like Fr. Al's Answer.

Answer 3

Freud`s down to earth theory says (not verbatim)
" In females the opening of normal/anal sex are so near that a very little difference in orientation in males is the cause".

Answer 4

I'm not sure asexual - is an orientation...in the way that home/hetero sexuality is but I thought that the link below makes some interesting points.

Answer 5

I think someone would have to have medical issues whether they be physical or mental to not have an appetite for sex.