There can be various causes of genophobia – physical or emotional issues – depending from person to person.

Physical factors can include sexual health issues like vaginismus and erectile dysfunction. In case of vaginismus, muscles of the vagina clench up involuntarily in case vaginal penetration is attempted. It can also lead to extremely painful sex, which can lead to sexual intimacy.

Erectile dysfunction is difficulty obtaining and sustaining an erection. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, or stress. These can grow intense, making a person fearful of sexual intimacy.

Child abuse or sexual abuse can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can make you uncomfortable and even fearful of intimacy and sex. Other possible causes include body shame, religious upbringing and fear of sexual performance.