A narrative review of asexuality in humans as a sexual orientation

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the current state of knowledge about asexuality as a sexual orientation. In particular, the following issues are analyzed: the asexual virtual community; definitions and prevalence rates of asexua-lity; masturbation, sexual fantasies and partner relationships in asexual individuals; asexuality`s relationship with some mental disorders; discrimination to asexual individuals. It is concluded that asexuality can be defined as meta-construct that encompasses different categories, lack of sexual attraction and self-identification among them. Its prevalence rate varies depending on the definition used. Asexual individuals have a certain level of sexual desire, as well as sexual be-haviors. Asexuality is not considered a variant of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, nor a disorder itself, although some studies associate it with a higher percentage of mental disorders. However, this relationship is explained by the social stigma and discrimination against asexual individuals. Asexuality questions the way in which sexuality is understood nowadays. Some lines of research are suggested.