Asexuality

Asexuality is a term used to describe a person who experiences little or no sexual attraction to others. It is also called low sexual desire, and a person with this orientation is called asexual. The term describes how a person experiences attraction; it is not the same as sexual function or ability.

Some social and psychological researchers classify asexuality as a sexual orientation, alongside heterosexuality and homosexuality. Others view it as a condition of absent or diminished sexual interest that falls outside the standard categories. There is no scholarly consensus on this point.

Distinguishing sexual attraction from romantic attraction

Scholars commonly distinguish between two types of attraction: sexual attraction (sexual desire) and romantic attraction (the desire for emotional romantic connection). Many asexual people can experience romantic attraction and may engage in marriage or close friendship, with little or no sexual component. Those who experience no romantic attraction are called aromantic.

Diversity within asexuality

The asexual community is not uniform. Some people report sexual attraction that emerges only after forming a strong emotional bond—a category known as demisexual. Others experience rare or conditional sexual attraction (grey-asexual). Additionally, some asexual people may engage in sexual activity for reasons such as partner desire or reproduction, despite lacking direct sexual attraction.

Mental health and recognition

Modern mental health texts on sexual desire disorders typically distinguish between people who identify as asexual and those experiencing a medical condition. A condition is defined as a disorder only if it causes distress or harm to the person; someone content with their asexuality is not considered disordered. This shift reflects an ongoing debate since the early 21st century, driven in part by online communities.