Just like heterosexuality and homosexuality, asexuality isn’t a choice. As with other sexual orientations, asexual people—or aces—exist on a spectrum. But for the sake of a definition, asexuality "is either characterized as a lack of sexual attraction to anyone, or as having low to no sexual desire,”says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, a research fellow at the Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute and author of .

While some estimates find asexual people make up around 1 percent of the population, few studies exist and that number may be higher, says KJ Cerankowski, PhD , an assistant professor of gender, sexuality, and feminist studies at Oberlin College & Observatory.

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What else should you know about asexuality—and how can you know if you’re asexual yourself? Here, a deeper look at the topic with insight from top experts in the field.

What is asexuality, exactly?

Another way of looking at it is that asexuals don't experience sexual attraction, per the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) . “This means that a person could have a ‘normal’ libido or sex drive, but no interest in sexual relations with other people,” say Cerankowski.

Back in the 1980s, when the psychiatry bible Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III) was published, a lack of interest in sex was considered to be a mental health condition , but research currently suggests that asexuality isn’t a sexual dysfunction or psychiatric condition. “There is no impairment in genital functioning, and a growing number of scientists look at asexuality as a type of sexual orientation,” says Lehmiller.

It's also important to note that asexuality and celibacy are not the same thing (but many asexual people are, in fact, celibate ). The difference lies in behavior versus identity. Celibates make a deliberate decision to abstain from sex for a certain period of time, though most envision themselves as sexual beings. Asexuals? They’re just not into it, and that’s part of who they are.

Do asexual people still date?

While flowers, chocolates, and a candlelit dinner often serve as a prelude to getting it on, asexual people might just skip that last part. “Asexual people can date, and many do. Romantic attraction can be different from sexual attraction—they don’t necessarily overlap,” explains Anthony F. Bogaert, PhD, a human sexuality professor at Brock University and author of .

For asexual people looking to get into a relationship, there can be some challenges with sexual norms and expectations . Some may want emotional relationships with little to no physical touch, while others may want multiple levels of intimacy with their partner, says Cerankowski.

And then there’s communicating that. “Some people may struggle when a partner comes out as asexual, especially if that relationship had been sexual. In that case, there’s a lot to negotiate for each person about how and if the relationship can move forward,” says Cerankowski. As is true with all relationships, open communication and clear boundaries are key.

Still, other asexual people do choose to opt out of romance as well as sex. “Someone who is ‘aromantic’ is generally uninterested in developing and maintaining long-term romances,” says Lehmiller. “That said, ‘aromantic’ and ‘asexual’ should not be used synonymously—someone can be asexual, aromantic, both, or neither.”

So, do asexual people ever have sex?

Not all asexual people have sex, but some do. “An asexual person who is in a romantic relationship may occasionally have sex if their partner desires it in order to sustain a valued relationship,” says Lehmiller.

What’s more, a lack of sexual attraction doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of sex drive. Many asexual people get turned on and even masturbate, with or without sexual fantasies, says Cerankowski.

How to tell if you’re asexual

The easiest answer: You’ve had an enduring, lifelong lack of sexual attraction to other people, says Bogaert.

Of course, there can always be a period of confusion when trying to figure out your sexuality and which label or identity fits, adds Cerankowski, and asexuals are diverse.

As with other people in the LGBTQA community, some research also reports asexual people often have felt “different” from an early age relative other people. Some people describe themselves as being born this way, while others may come into asexuality later in life, through a variety of channels.

Cerankowski also says some people may experience their asexuality as a temporary thing—related to a periodic choice, a temporary lack of interest in sex, or as a factor of age. Disability, trauma, or a personal revelation may lead someone to discover they’re comfortably and happily asexual, temporarily or long-term. “The experience of asexuality over the life course can be variable and does not have to fit any one master narrative,” says Cerankowski. “Trust people to define themselves.”

If you think you’re asexual, you can learn more about the topic (and chat with people) at the Asexual Visibility and Education Network .

And while every asexual person is different, scientists have developed tools to assess asexuality, such as the Asexuality Identification Scale, says Lehmiller, who notes that the scale is highly accurate in terms of categorizing people as asexual. You can find information on it here .

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Cassie Shortsleeve Freelance Writer Cassie Shortsleeve is a skilled freelance writer and editor with almost a decade of experience reporting on all things health, fitness, and travel.

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