Genophobia: The Fear of Sex

Genophobia is the fear of sexual intercourse. It is also known as Coitophobia. Genophobia may be caused by a sexual trauma such as rape or molestation. Every time the person attempts to engage in sexual activity they remember the traumatic event and relive it all over again. It doesn’t matter how much they try to block it out, it’s there.

Although some cases of Genophobia may be exaggerated and irrational, not all of the cases are. Some women have medical conditions that cause extremely painful intercourse and because of the intense pain they begin to fear having sex.

Genophobia has an extreme impact on the lives of those who suffer from it regardless of the specific cause. Severe cases of this phobia are sure to destroy intimate relationships and diminish the quality of life.

Anuptaphobia: The Fear of Staying Single

Anuptaphobia is the fear of staying single or marrying the wrong person in life. It is one of the few phobias that have two different forms, which means it has two sets of symptoms and consequences.

The fear of staying single can cause a person to be with anyone that pays attention to them even if they treat them badly or they will stay in an abusive relationship because their fear of being alone is greater than the fear of being abused.

The second form, the fear of marrying the wrong person can cause the person the inability to commit. They are always looking for the “right” person even if that person is right in front of them. No one will ever be good enough to commit to.

The symptoms of Anuptaphobia vary widely because of the two different forms. They may avoid weddings because they cause them extreme anxiety or they may have a high interest in weddings because they hope to meet their life partner there. They may also have a distorted focus. Nothing in life is more important than finding the right partner so all other things are put on the back burner.

There are many people who don’t take this phobia seriously. They believe that the person should just deal with it. Anyone with a true phobia is highly aware that “just dealing with it” is easier said than done. All phobias are very serious and should be treated as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences.

Equinophobia: The Fear of Horses

Equinophobia is the fear of horses. Horses make me nervous, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I have a phobia towards them. I can be around them and even touch them as long as I’m not by myself, but I won’t ride them. I use to not be afraid of them at all, but when I was little I was put on a very unhappy horse and its restlessness terrified me and I never rode again.

There are many people who have Equinophobia and even the thought of a horse sends them into a panic. They cannot stand to be around any horse even if it is the kindest, most gentle horse in the world. They will avoid any type of contact with horses and stables. Equinophobes may also fear other hoofed animals such as donkeys, mules and ponies.

Possible triggers of Equinophobia are falling off a horse, being bitten or kicked by a horse and meeting an aggressive horse for the first time. Equinophobia is also known as Hippophobia.

Demonophobia: The Fear of Demons

Demonophobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of demons, spirits, goblins and devils. It is also known as Daemonophobia.

There is not a lot of information on this one, so if anyone has any stories to share please do so. I’m going to guess that if you have had extreme experiences with the spirit world then you may be subject to this phobia. Those who have the phobia without first having an experience may just have an extreme fear of the “unknown” that eventually turns into the phobia. Either way I can imagine that this phobia can become extremely debilitating.

I really want your stories on this one. What is it like living with this phobia and what kind of rituals, if any, do you have to help you deal with your fear?

Hoplophobia: The Fear of Firearms

Hoplophobia is the irrational fear of firearms. This phobia can cause sweating, faintness, discomfort, rapid pulse, nausea, sleeplessness and nondescript fears just by thinking about firearms.

The term hoplophobia was coined in 1962 by Colonel Jeff Cooper, a firearms instructor. He believes that the most common manifestation of the phobia is the idea that the firearm possesses a will of its own.

Efforts are being made to have hoplophobia recognized in the official directory of mental ailments. There could be as many as 10 million people who are suffering from this phobia.

Atelophobia: The Fear of Imperfection

Atelophobia is the irrational fear of imperfection. An Atelophobics has an extreme fear of the inability to achieve perfection in anything that they do. They are highly critical of everything they do and they feel that their actions, ideas and beliefs are never good enough. Atelophobia can become an obsession that destroys their relationships and it can prevent their ability to function in society.

Atelophobics experience the basic symptoms of all other phobias and they may also experience a high degree of excitability, insomnia and an inability to relax. Atelophobia is sometimes manifested towards others.