Understanding HOCD Groinal Response: A Natural Reaction, Not a Truth If you’ve ever experienced intrusive thoughts about your sexuality and noticed physical sensations in your groin area, you’re not alone. This is something many people with HOCD (Homosexual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) go through. It’s known as a groinal response — and while it can feel confusing, it's actually a very common and involuntary reaction HOCD is a type of OCD where a person experiences unwanted and distressing thoughts about their sexual orientation. Even if the individual identifies as heterosexual, they may have sudden fears like, “What if I’m actually gay?” These thoughts can trigger anxiety — and with that anxiety comes heightened body awareness. Here’s where the groinal response comes in. The brain is highly sensitive to anything related to fear or obsession. So when you're constantly checking, analyzing, or testing your reactions, your brain may send signals to that area of your body — not because you're attracted, but because you're anxious This physical sensation is often misinterpreted. People think, “If I felt something, it must mean it’s true.” But in reality, groinal responses can happen without desire or attraction . They are simply the body's way of responding to mental pressure. Remember, OCD lies. The more you react to these sensations, the more power the disorder has. Instead, try to accept the thought without judgment and let it pass. Gmail = info@orangecoastpsychiatry.com Phone = (714) 683-1472 Address = 1720 W Ball Rd, Suite #4C, Anaheim, CA 92804