Venereophobia - A comprehensive review

Venereophobia, even though a historically well-recognized entity, is often underdiagnosed in the modern era. Like any phobia, this condition presents with an intense and irrational fear of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) often following a high-risk sexual encounter. Accurate prevalence data were lacking globally. This condition is very common in men, and there are various sociocultural factors contributing to the hesitation to report to a sexual health clinic by women especially in an Indian context. Venereophobia can present with physical and/or psychological symptoms where the patients seek repeated consultations even after repeated reassurances that they were cured of STIs. This is due to the fear that stems from previous high-risk encounters, misinformation, and social stigma. Diagnosing this condition requires expertise from both dermatologists and psychiatrists. In addition to treating the physical symptoms, the patients require reassurance and psychoeducation, extensive laboratory work-up to prove them that they have no STIs, and, in extreme cases, might require cognitive behavioral therapy and/or antipsychotic medications. It is recommended to set up psychodermatology liaison clinics, which help in improving the diagnosis, management and follow-up of these patients.