Koro is a fear of the genitals or breasts retracting into the body. Also known as genital retraction syndrome, this irrational distress is seen more commonly in East and Southeast Asia—China, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and Thailand—as well as other regions such as Africa. This acute anxiety is influenced by culture and traditional beliefs. "Koro" is originally a Malay word that means head of turt
What Is Koro? (Plain Language Explanation)
Koro refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Koro
- Symptoms: The specific ways koro shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen koro
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When koro occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Koro
- Koro is far more common than most people realize
- Koro is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with koro see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about koro is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing koro, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.