Sexual frustration is often related to jealousy or envy, and is a universal experience felt regardless of gender.

Sexual frustration is a sense of dissatisfaction stemming from a discrepancy between a person's desired and achieved sexual activity. It may result from physical, mental, emotional, social, financial, religious or spiritual barriers. It can derive from displeasure during sex due to issues such as anorgasmia, anaphrodisia, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation^[1] or erectile dysfunction.^[2][3] A sense of incompatibility or discrepancy in libido between partners may be involved.^[4] It may also relate to broader existential frustration.^[5]

Historical methods of dealing with sexual frustration have included fasting and the taking of libido suppressants such as anaphrodisiacs (food supplements)^[6] or antaphrodisiacs (medicinal supplements).^[7] It can also affect the sexually active, especially hypersexual people.^[8] It is a natural stage of the development throughout youth, when going through puberty as a teenager.^[9]

Ways to cope with sexual frustration include engaging in solo sex, meditating, exercising, exploring new techniques, discussing and being open with one's partner about sexual frustrations, or seeking professional assistance through a sex therapist.^[10]

Adolescents

Adolescents may experience sexual frustration due to a variety of factors, including societal expectations, hormonal changes, and the complexities of navigating relationships. For some adolescents, sexting serves as an outlet for sexual exploration within a virtual space, particularly for those not yet ready for physical sexual activity.^[11]

Menopause

During menopause, individuals may experience reduced sexual desire and activity. However, engaging in sex remains important for many older people. Couples in their 50s or older expect ongoing sexual involvement, with an emphasis on traditional intercourse over other forms. Common sexual dysfunctions, like ejaculatory issues in males and genital atrophy in females, pose challenges. Lack of awareness about these changes may hinder communication with partners, potentially leading to sexual frustration and abstinence.^[12]

Other groups

Autism

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may face sexual frustration far more than most other people due to challenges in social interaction, communication difficulties, and sensory sensitivities associated with ASD. These individuals often struggle to interpret social cues and establish meaningful relationships, leading to a sense of isolation. Sensory sensitivities can also contribute to discomfort in intimate situations. Additionally, the lack of tailored resources and support for sexuality education exacerbates their frustration.^[13]

Sexual frustration's impact on aggression and crime

• Sexual frustration has been identified as a factor contributing to immoral conducts throughout history.^[14][15][16] However, it is not prominently addressed in major criminological theories.^[17] This historical oversight can be attributed to misguided perspectives stemming from misconceptions that disregard female sexual frustration, misrepresent male biology, and fail to consider psychological and qualitative dimensions, including the option of masturbation.^[18]
• Sexual frustration extends beyond individuals facing involuntary celibacy; it also affects those engaged in sexual activity. The frustration arising from unmet sexual desires, unavailability of partners, and unsatisfactory sexual experiences appears to heighten the risks of aggression, violence, and criminal tendencies associated with the pursuit of relief, power, revenge, and displaced frustration. While sexual frustration alone is not adequate to fully explain aggression, violence, or crime, recognizing its impact on behavior remains crucial.^[18]