Involuntary celibacy (or incel) is the inability to establish an intimate relationship or engage in sexual intercourse for reasons other than voluntary celibacy or sexual abstinence.
An involuntarily celibate person may be defined as one who is unable to initiate or sustain a sexual relationship, despite the desire to experience such a relationship. Victims may complain of loneliness and are often mistaken for homosexuals who are hiding their sexuality. Causes may include lack of sex appeal, shyness, poor social skills or love-shyness.
Incel is not recognised by most experts in psychology. However the effects can be devastating, such as: severe depression, self-harm, mental illness and even suicide. The condition can often be associated with Asperger syndrome.
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