Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

How do I get back to normal sexual fantasies after being raped?

I was raped last summer and am currently going through the extraordinarily long trial process. Ever since I was raped, I can only climax to thoughts of sexual violence and it's extraordinarily disturbing to me. Has anyone else experienced this? I received successful treatment for PTSD related to my rape and worked through all of the trauma. I feel great emotionally except for the fact that I can only get turned on to violence. I'm only 20 and I'm worried it'll be like this for the rest of my life. I have started avoiding masturbation and sex because it makes me feel  disgusting and brings back horrible memories. What do I do? I've done the work in therapy, but I feel like this will stick around forever.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
This fact says you haven't finished the work in therapy yet, I'm afraid, as you're still suffering from your PTSD.  I'm also wondering why you focus on fantasies as the only way to get turned on.  Most of us get turned on because we like the person we're having sex with.  I get the fantasies while you masturbate, but if you are fantasizing when you're with someone you like that usually only happens when you've been, ahem, married for a long time.  (inside joke for those of us who are old married folks).  But at bottom, what you're describing are lingering feelings from the horrible thing that happened to you.  I wouldn't expect you to suddenly feel all of it is gone forever.  I would expect it to be a process.  And I would also expect you to benefit from more therapy so you won't feel bad about it being hard for you to move past it.  But you will.  
Helpful - 0
207091 tn?1337709493
It won't be like this forever. I was raped at 20, and am much older than that now, but you need to give yourself some time.

If masturbation and sex brings back horrible memories, it just means you aren't ready, and maybe your therapy work isn't finished yet. That's okay - it doesn't mean you weren't successful in it. This is trauma, and it's tough stuff.

I don't want this to depress you, but this isn't something you "get over", but you get through. That means that it's never quite over. That's okay, too. I think it's important to know that, so that you can learn coping skills.

Give your therapist a call, or contact RAINN - https://www.rainn.org/

I swear it gets better, but give yourself some time and grace.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Time and forgiveness is vital  your young and amazing finding trust and pleasure will only happen when you deside  and finding someone that will love and empower u will be the healing end to this pain  about the tragic violation u know about  it will never be forgotten fully  being victim is horrible and it changed you. You will probley struggle in finding compassion and empathy in life too  just know the boundaries and limits to not become violent degrading or revengful by it  If the ******* is unpunished and allowed  you will never heal being the results of his violating sickness and be a threat always  prosecution is a great healing getting justify and profound   not a worthless crime  
Violence Will attract violence against your and being abused and punished is that fetish roll    A subconscious rape you will continue emotionless and used   over I know I been struggling this 47 yrs .living alone and wiser ******* myself keeps me powerful and free  No **** is worth the consequences or abuse . There's no recovery just therapy and not allowing it again   I'm ruined for life  being 9 yrs old really was violated for life
Helpful - 0
20924989 tn?1670693657
I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that! Nobody deserves to go through sexual violence or abuse. Keep talking to therapists and counselors and except love and help from family and friends. It is also important to give yourself lots of time to recollect yourself and try to forget your experience. Most of all, remember that it was NOT your fault and that all your feelings about your rape are OK!!!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Sexual Health Community

Top Sexual Health Answerers
139792 tn?1498585650
Indore, India
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Avatar universal
Southwest , MI
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
STDs aren't transmitted through clothing. Fabric is a germ barrier.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in color, smell, texture and amount.