Overview

Compulsive sexual behavior, also known as hypersexuality or sexual addiction, refers to an intense focus on sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that cannot be controlled. This condition can cause distress and problems in various aspects of life, including health, work, relationships, and other areas.

Compulsive sexual behavior may involve various types of sexual experiences, such as masturbation, using computers for sexual communication, engaging in multiple sexual partners, using pornography, or paying for sex. When these behaviors become a constant and overwhelming focus, are difficult to control, and lead to problems in life or harm to oneself or others, it is likely compulsive sexual behavior.

If left untreated, compulsive sexual behavior can significantly impact self-esteem, relationships, career, health, and the well-being of others. However, with proper treatment and self-help, individuals can learn to manage and cope with compulsive sexual behavior.

Symptoms

Signs that you may have compulsive sexual behavior include:

• Repeated and intense sexual fantasies, urges, and behaviors that feel uncontrollable and consume a significant amount of time.
• Feeling driven or experiencing frequent urges to engage in certain sexual behaviors, followed by a sense of release of tension, but also feelings of guilt or regret.
• Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control sexual fantasies, urges, or behavior.
• Using compulsive sexual behavior as an escape from other problems, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety, or stress.
• Continuing to engage in sexual behaviors despite causing serious problems, such as the risk of sexually transmitted infections, the loss of important relationships, work issues, financial troubles, or legal problems.
• Difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy and stable relationships.

When to See a Doctor

If you feel that you've lost control of your sexual behavior, especially if it causes problems for you or others, it's important to seek help. Compulsive sexual behavior tends to worsen over time without treatment, so it's best to seek help as soon as you notice a problem.

If you're contemplating seeking professional help, ask yourself:

• Can I manage my sexual impulses?
• Am I distressed by my sexual behaviors?
• Is my sexual behavior hurting my relationships, affecting my work, or causing serious problems, such as legal issues?
• Do I try to hide my sexual behavior?

Remember that seeking help for compulsive sexual behavior can be difficult due to its deeply personal and private nature. However, many people struggle with this condition, and mental health professionals are trained to be understanding and non-judgmental. Look for a provider with experience in diagnosing and treating compulsive sexual behavior.

Keep in mind that information shared with health care or mental health providers is confidential, except when there are concerns of harm to oneself or others or reports of abuse or neglect involving vulnerable individuals.