Not sure to whom you were replying Devo but your comments were fascinating. Thanks for sharing!

MYTH #1 Asexuality is caused by a hormone deficiency.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that asexuality is caused by a hormone imbalance or a deficient sex drive. In fact, those who have had their hormone levels tested have generally been found to have levels within the normal range. Some asexuals also have undergone hormone therapy for reasons distinct from their sexuality, and have reported no changes in their sexual orientation. This is because your sex drive, which is what’s actually associated with hormone levels, is different from your sexual orientation. Many asexuals are perfectly capable of experiencing arousal, but they don’t experience sexual attraction. Additionally, a loss of sexual interest due to hormone imbalance is often a sudden change, while asexuality is typically a permanent or long-term thing, rather than the result of something being ‘lost’. One’s sexual and romantic orientations are not governed by one’s libido, or one’s hormone levels.

Asexuality is frequently misunderstood, and sometimes even dismissed – here’s how you can by an ally to asexual people:

Believe people when they say they are asexual.
Educate yourself on asexuality, as well as other identities.
Do not tell asexual people that they are “going through a phase”, or that they have low hormones, or that they “just haven’t met the right person yet” – this is a lazy and offensive stereotype and it’s just false. Not everyone needs sex or relationships to be happy.
Some societies assume that all people are sexual, but this is simply not true – so challenge this assertion when you can.
Do not quiz a person on their asexuality (or any other identity) – people will offer information if and when they choose to. It’s no one else’s business but their own!

When discussing asexuality, it’s important to remember that not all asexual people have the same experiences with sex and romance. Some may choose to have sex even though they don’t feel sexual attraction. Others may have no interest in sex or romantic relationships at all.

There are many asexual types and not everyone who identifies as asexual experiences their sexuality in the same way.

People who feel little to no sexual attraction don’t have to follow any specific rules or meet any specific criteria about the emotional, sexual, or spiritual connections and relationships they have in life. Asexuality is both a spectrum and a sexual orientation, and identifying as asexual may help some people form a healthier view of themselves.

Asexuality is not a condition, and there’s no “treatment” you need if you’re questioning your sexuality or how you identify. However, heteronormative views are common in the United States. They can be a contributing factor to the discrimination and abuse felt by so many people who don’t express “traditional” (as established by our society) sexual orientation, sexual identity, and/or gender roles.

So, my former spouse, a male, with whom I remain friends, was one of the first people who brought this to my attention years ago.

Since then I've run across a variety of groups, forums, and meetups who ascribe to a variety of versions of asexuality....and it seems to be growing.

Perhaps at some point mingle2 might add an option for those interested in this.

The more options the better!

Yes, you are absolutely correct in your description of one possible scientific reason, however, it's definitely not a 'one size fits all' scenario.

I personally have been researching this subject for a while and in my conversations with a myriad of individuals the reasons can vary.

For some it is purely a lack of "sex-hormones" (estrogen & testosterone) for others it's an intellectual choice, for some it's something all together different.

I found this information regarding studies done very interesting: It has been compared and equated with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), a diagnosis which was in the DSM-4, in that both imply a general lack of sexual attraction to anyone; HSDD has been used to medicalize asexuality, but asexuality is generally not considered a disorder or a sexual dysfunction (such as anorgasmia, anhedonia, etc.), because it does not necessarily define someone as having a medical problem or problems relating to others socially.[9][21][43] Unlike people with HSDD, asexual people normally do not experience "marked distress" and "interpersonal difficulty" concerning feelings about their sexuality, or generally a lack of sexual arousal; asexuality is considered the lack or absence of sexual attraction as a life-enduring characteristic.[15][21] One study found that, compared to HSDD subjects, asexuals reported lower levels of sexual desire, sexual experience, sex-related distress and depressive symptoms.[44] Researchers Richards and Barker report that asexuals do not have disproportionate rates of alexithymia, depression, or personality disorders.

Sweet!

No, there aren't requirements, I am adding my specific interests as might anyone else. There are also different versions of being an Ace (as it's sometimes called.)

DEMISEXUAL: a person who experiences sexual attraction to someone only after forming a close emotional bond with that person. They may also identify as gray-asexual (or gray sexual).

...and there are more.

I find it a fascinating subject.

Asexual – A term used to describe someone who does not experience sexual attraction toward individuals of any gender. Asexuality is a sexual orientation, and is different from celibacy, in that celibacy is the choice to refrain from engaging in sexual behaviors and does not comment on one's sexual attractions.

So, it's basically someone who is simply interested in a travel companion, or day to day companionship, excellent, sane conversation, humor, and the like without sexual intimacy (not to say cuddling is out).

I like the concept.

What are your thoughts?