What's the difference between arousal and libido?

[TheLandsBeyond]

Like where do they intersect? I've always been a bit confused about this.

[Guest]

Well, for me, arousal is purely physical. My body responds to stimuli because it's functioning properly (you touch certain areas, you stimulate a certain response). However, it gives me no urges to masturbate, have sex or even touch the area. I barely even notice. And touching said area gives no pleasure, so I have no interest in it beyond hygiene. So, I don't consider myself a libidoist.

[argar]

In my opinion my arousal is evidence of my libido.

Arousal does not necessarily have to include another person.

I have periods of arousal, it has just never gotten to the point that I ever want to go out looking for anyone to satisfy it. I handle it on my own.

I think because I have these brief periods of arousal, I have libido.

And also the fact that I am not necessarily repulsed by sex, I am just a little uncomfortable with the idea of actually doing it.

That's all I got.

Have a beautiful day.

[binary suns]

[Guest Lady.Lizard]

For me, libido is the desire to have sex
Arousal is my body's way of saying 'hey..you're anatomically correct...fulfill your evolutionary purpose with this stuff'. It doesn't mean I have to act on it through sex with someone..it just, happens

[Ricecream-man]

It's primarily internal versus external.

Libido is the instinctual reaction for reproduction. Hormone controlled so to speak. So it'll happen regardless of what you may feel at the time.

Arousal is more of a reaction to stimuli. For instance, you become aroused when imagining a fantasy. Or in a sexual context, when you see an attractive person in a sexual setting.

[Guest]

I'd see libido as both the urge to act on your arousal when it's there, and/or an urge/desire to get aroused in the first place. I doubt that arousal by itself is an absolute proof for libido... but a feeling of nervous unrest once arousal happens, that you cannot easily ignore and that forces you to actively deal with it is (which is exactly what I experience, much as I hate it... I'm clearly libidoist, I just wish I wasn't. -_- )

[Glyn]

I think many here have already posted what was going through my mind.

Libido is a sex drive, a desire to have sex, even if it's not directed at anyone (as in the case of some asexuals).

Arousal is a purely physical reaction, and can happen independently of libido. For example, I heard it once said that many men, when they have been raped by other men, have been known to have erections. They are not sexually attracted to men, nor are their libido in play - sex is being forced onto them. But they will still respond and become aroused.

[Philip027]

Arousal = stimulation (can be physical, or mental)

Libido = the desire to seek that stimulation

Least, that's my understanding of it.

[TheLandsBeyond]

Ahhh so arousal is a reaction of the body, and libido is purely a mental desire? Thanks, everyone :)

[Philip027]

Ahhh so arousal is a reaction of the body, and libido is purely a mental desire?

Arousal can be a mental thing too. I'd say it's more like libido is your desire/tendency to "react" whereas arousal is the reaction itself.

[Glyn]

Yes, there is a link between arousal and libido, but you can have arousal without libido.

I know one person, for example, who developed an erection during a medical examination of their "back passage" by a doctor, even though they were NOT sexually attracted to that doctor, and their libido was definitely not "active".

I could give some very personal examples of when arousal occurred during a medical examination without libido or sexual attraction being present, but I am concerned over if it is just too much information even for a spoiler!