No Means Yes? Perpetuating Myths in the Sexological Construction of Women's Desire

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of desire disorders are contentious issues within sexual medicine today. The issue of women's sexual desire (or rather lack of sexual desire) in particular, has highlighted a variety of problems within the current diagnostic framework for sexual dysfunctions. In an effort to rectify some of these problems, the concept of receptivity has been put forward by a number of clinicians with the suggestion that this better reflects women's experiences of desire. It is argued here, however, that he concept of receptivity presents serious problems for women in heterosexual relationships. Rather than helping women, furthering this concept may simply reinforce male sexual demands, curtail women's sexual autonomy, and promote coercive sex as an acceptable norm. It should therefore not be adopted by therapists.