Discovering Asexuality
After starting Tamoxifen and now Anastrozole, my sex drive dwindled to a flicker. Even before my mastectomy, we were having challenges with sex. After delivering my second child as a VBAC, sex was very painful except for a limited few positions. Turned out, my uterus was prolapsing, which put my cervix at a bad angle for intercourse. I had a hysterectomy, which helped, but having a shorter vagina still created pain if we weren't careful.
Lately, I'm seriously seeing myself leaning toward asexual. Now that I have a major excuse to not have sex, I've found some distance to think about my relationship with my sexuality. When I was younger I had a reputation as a "fun girl". But looking back, I'm honestly not sure how much was what I wanted to do, and how much was what I thought I was supposed to want to do. My identity and feelings of self-worth were deeply tied to my sexuality, and I equated my personal value with whether people desired me. My wit, my intelligence, my talents, my looks were all geared toward making myself desirable sexually. If I went out intending to hook up, and I didn't, I felt like a failure - like there was something wrong with me. Even though I genuinely enjoyed sex, it was kind of a toxic mindset.
Now that I don't have to perform sexually, I can ask myself what I really want and what I really like. And honestly, I'll take my vibrator over my man most days. I have full control over my sensations and can steer myself to climax much more easily. (I have always had a difficult time maintaining the plateau stage of the sexual cycle unless I'm stimulated in very precise ways. And after a while, it just ain't happening.) Plus, there's a lot less mess to deal with. (I love my husband deeply, but semen is so gross to deal with.)
For now, at least, I'm happier without intercourse. We cuddle, caress each other, wink and smile at each other, and share many affections from a broader definition of sex. With expectations for "insert tab A into slot B" out of the way, we focus on expressing ourselves with other displays of love and caring.
All this said, I'm still very sex-positive. Sex and intercourse are wonderful ways of sharing yourself with a person and can be loads of fun. I am not going to tell anyone that they shouldn't pursue healthy sex if they want to. But in my little piece of the world, I think I'm better off without it for now.
Asexuality used to be considered a disorder. Now it's part of the sexuality spectrum. Have any others here thought about embracing a sexless life?
Comments
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Mirianda, is not having sex or being particularly interested in sex the same thing as being asexual? While my husband and I have had an active sex life, we haven't engaged in years (15 maybe?). He's been on an anti-depressant since his ostomy (what can't get up can't get out) and I have dried up like a prune (painfully) since letrozole. It's not an issue for us, we're very close. Some say joined at the hip. I've never enjoyed sex and I'm very happy to live without it. Just wondering.
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It can be, but doesn't have to be. A lot of modern conversation about gender and sexuality steers the ultimate decision for a label to the individual themselves. Society can't tell you that you're asexual, only you can. Some people call themselves asexual because they have no interest in having sex. Other people may have no interest in sex currently, but attribute that lack of desire to medications. Since they want to want to have sex, they may not claim to be asexual. Chemically asexual maybe? It's a very personal decision that begs for self-reflection.
Also, sex and affection and romance are all different things. You can be very affectionate and romantic without being sexual, and vice versa.
Goldcity, on first blush, I would guess that asexuality is a piece of your equation. Never feeling an active desire for sex, even before your diagnosis, is a big indication. (Just because you are having sex doesn't negate asexuality. If you are sharing sex for your partner's joy, but not for your own fulfillment, that is an act of love that doesn't apply to your own sexual needs.) But again, I am not the one who can say, "You are asexual."
I just found an incredible informational resource on asexuality. They have an exhaustive FAQ that really helps to normalize ace mindsets.
(From their Overview page) "An asexual person does not experience sexual attraction – they are not drawn to people sexually and do not desire to act upon attraction to others in a sexual way. Unlike celibacy, which is a choice to abstain from sexual activity, asexuality is an intrinsic part of who we are, just like other sexual orientations. Asexuality does not make our lives any worse or better; we just face a different set of needs and challenges than most sexual people do. There is considerable diversity among the asexual community in the needs and experiences often associated with sexuality including relationships, attraction, and arousal."
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I have added this to my favorites list.
I am here feeling like a traitor. A confused traitor. I don't desire my husband. I don't want sex. The suggestion of it makes me angry. Like, fists clenched, teeth gritted, judo stance kind of angry.Is this tamoxifen? Is this menopause? Is this 30 odd years of bad marriage? Is it me being too stupid to realize my marriage isn't bad and my husband is a good guy? Is it me being an ungrateful cow? I DO NOT KNOW !!! All I know is that the idea of other crawling up on top of me and .... I just threw up a little thinking about it.
I do look at beautiful men and think, wow, that guy is delicious. But take my clothes off with anyone? I don't bloody well think so! Most of that is rooted in a deep self hatred of what age and fat has done to me. This whole mess should never see the light of day or be seen or touched by anyone unless they have a blubber fetish. And I don't want to have sex with any blubber fetish freaks!
I watch movies where the hot and heavy romance of a 2 hour movie finally culminates in that kiss and embrace that just KILLS you! And I remember wanting that from my husband. I don't know what happened. Well, I have some ideas. But if I write them they might be true and I am not willing to know that just yet.
I think the grind of life can crush and bury the little flame of passion. It is a flame that must be protected from the wind, kept in a safe, cherished place. It must be tended. Because if not, it can die. Forever, it seems.3 -
This may be an old thread but glad I found this. This so describes me. I love my husband and we have re-bonded post my BC diagnosis. I think our relationship is better now, mentally as we are more "together".
But I just want my vibrator instead of sex with him or with any one. This has been years before and more so now. It does hurt him in a way but he is trying to "deal" with it. Can you let me know how have your other half feel about asexuality?
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Pretty accurate for me, too, although I mentally do want to have sex so will occasionally do so if my husband wants to. But lately neither of us do. A vibrator is so much easier. Four minutes and I'm done for the day. One thing I will say is that with sex out of the way, friendships grow deeper especially with men. It's almost like being a young kid again when you just played with people you liked. It's uncomplicated and that I love.
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There is a funny poem that I can't find at the moment.
A cat is nurtured by its owner the cat goes out prowling at night and sees a lady cat he sits on a wall but can't quite figure out what's wrong he knows there is something he used to be interested in but can't quite remember what it is,🤣
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Hi All, Great topic to revive!
Just putting in a few links that some may find helpful:
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I just saw that this thread was active again! There must still be bugs in BCO's notification system.
Might your husband be up for using the vibe on you? It can still give him an active role in helping you climax, but not involve penetrative sex. There is a dizzying array of sleeve toys as well that you could use on him.
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Hi miriandra
It wont for mine. He was actually the one that introduce me to the vibrator but he feels he is replaced or his manhood being questioned when I use it. So having him use it is another fight coming on…
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That's a shame. If you can tolerate reduced penetration, Ohnut is an option too. But they need lots of lube for the man to feel like he's sliding in them.
https://www.thepelvichub.com/products/ohnut
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It's not the penetration, its the whole thing. I just dont enjoy it anymore. He feels like he is loosing his manhood cause I am not enjoying it. I mean if he wants to have sex and not expect me to achieve organism or enjoy it, I am fine. But that is not the case, so we kinda stopped. This is even before BC.
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