7 Strange Relationship Phobias That Actually Exist

In psychology, a phobia is an anxiety disorder, where the sufferer has a persistent fear of an object or situation. The sufferer would go to great lengths just to avoid the object of their phobia, even though the effort to avoid it is disproportional to the actual danger the object of the phobia may pose.

Has a guy ever told you he’s afraid of commitment? I know what you’re thinking, “That’s just called a player.” While in most cases your assessment is probably right, the fact is, there are some pretty strange yet true phobias that circle around relationships, love, sex, breasts, commitment, having babies, and even fears of staying single.

Love and sex can be pretty scary, but it’s also pretty amazing, so why do people get phobias concerning the romantic world? It’s hard to believe some of these disorders really exist, and yet with all the complications that relationships and the magic of sex bring into our lives, it’s a wonder more people aren’t plagued by these phobias.

# Philophobia, the fear of love

Strange, isn’t it? Most people torture themselves over not having a partner in their lives, but those suffering from philophobia feel just the opposite. Sufferers are said to fear falling in love and attachment, and experience nausea, uneasiness, sweating, and shortness of breath when presented with the idea.

# Parthenophobia, the fear of virgins

We know it may be a little intimidating to give a girl her first pleasure session, but does it really have to result in a legitimate phobia?

# Tocophobia, the fear of childbirth

They may not be wrong about this one. Those who have gone through the harrowing experience can tell some awful horror stories, having newly pregnant women wondering what they were thinking when they said: “Skip the condom, sweetie!”

# Menophobia, the fear of menstruation

It’s true. Men have come to fear both menstruation, and the tidal wave of hormones it beckons. As women? We have come to fear the messy week of pads and cramps. Ouch.

# Eurotophobia, the fear of female genitals

Hey, vaginas are pretty! Girls, don’t take this one personally. Those who have had the awkward experience of going down on a girl for the first time may back this fear up.

# Medorthophobia, the fear of an erect penis or penises in general

For those who have not yet seen and conquered, we assure you: there’s nothing to be scared of.

# Haphephobia, the fear of being touched

While it can be attributed to romantic relationships, haphephobia also effects platonic relationships, such as those with family or close friends. It usually stems from the fear of contamination from other people, yikes!