What is Autogynephilia?

Autogynephilia is a term used to describe sexual arousal when a biological male imagines themselves or presents themselves as a woman. This arousal is separate from their gender identity, and can manifest in a variety of ways, such as cross-dressing, imagining oneself as a woman during sexual activity, or fantasizing about having a female body.

Understanding the Different Types of Autogynephilia

Autogynephilia can be divided into two main categories:

Behavioural Autogynephilia

This type of autogynephilia involves cross-dressing and other behaviours that involve presenting oneself as a woman. This can include wearing women’s clothing, makeup, and wigs, as well as adopting feminine mannerisms and behaviours.

Physiological Autogynephilia

This type of autogynephilia involves the arousal that comes from imagining oneself as having a female body. This can include fantasies about having breasts, a vagina, or a more feminine body shape.

Causes of Autogynephilia

The causes of autogynephilia are not well understood, but there are several theories that attempt to explain it:

Psychoanalytic Theory

Psychoanalytic theory suggests that autogynephilia is the result of unresolved childhood conflicts and traumas. According to this theory, the individual may have experienced a traumatic event that caused them to associate femininity with safety and security, leading to an eroticization of femininity.

Biological Theory

Biological theory suggests that autogynephilia is the result of hormonal or genetic factors. Some studies have found that individuals with autogynephilia have higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of testosterone than other males, while others have found a genetic link between autogynephilia and gender dysphoria.

Social Learning Theory

Social learning theory suggests that autogynephilia is the result of social conditioning. According to this theory, the individual may have been exposed to media or other cultural influences that associate femininity with sexual desirability, leading to an eroticization of femininity.

Treatment for Autogynephilia

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for autogynephilia, as the causes and manifestations of the condition can vary widely from person to person. However, some common treatments include:

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy can help individuals with autogynephilia to identify and challenge the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to their arousal. This can involve learning coping strategies, such as distraction techniques, and developing a more positive self-image.

Hormone Therapy

For individuals who experience physiological autogynephilia, hormone therapy may be an effective treatment option. This can involve taking estrogen to feminize the body, which can reduce feelings of dysphoria and improve overall well-being.

Surgery

For some individuals, surgery may be the best option for reducing feelings of dysphoria and improving overall well-being. This can involve procedures such as breast augmentation, genital reconstruction, or facial feminization surgery.