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Men, be honest. How often do you really think about sex?
Let’s be real. Whether you’re 30 or 70 years old, it’s not unusual at all to have some sexual thoughts throughout the day. Most men have sexual thoughts about 19 times a day.
But, be warned. If constant fantasies of sex start to interfere with your daily life and relationships, then it might be a cause of medical concern.
Hypersexuality is the medical term that describes these recurring urges. It’s defined as excessive or compulsive sexual behavior that lasts for over six months.
In plain terms, it’s a sexual addiction.
While sexual thoughts every once in a while are completely normal, thinking about sex more often than you should is a sign of hypersexuality or compulsive sexual behavior disorder.
People with this condition often feel the need to act out on these fantasies to satisfy their urges, usually consisting of excessive masturbation, cybersex, sex with multiple partners, or pornography.
The real reason why hypersexuality is considered problematic is that it can cause distress to a person’s life. Hypersexual people are unable to control themselves and their urges, which can pose negative ramifications on their health, family, friends, and work life.
Let’s look into the causes, symptoms, and treatment plans available for men who have a hypersexual disorder.
What Hypersexuality Is
There are multiple definitions of hypersexuality. Consider the following:
- A person who’s considered a sex addict or hypersexual may have an “out of control” sexual behavior that often is a source of distress. This includes sexual fantasies, urges, and actions that may lead to these feelings.
- The term “hypersexual” refers to a person who is preoccupied with repeated sexual relationships involving different partners, which the individual sees as only people to be “used” for their sexual desire.
- The term “sex addict” refers to an individual who compulsively seeks out sexual interactions despite the negative consequences tied to the action. It’s often rooted in a lack of control.
Sex addiction being comparable to a drug addiction is an issue of debate. For individuals who just enjoy having a lot of sex with numerous partners, many specialists think that labeling them as “sex addicts” is inappropriate. Many experts find the label too stigmatizing for what’s just being horny.
In addition, culture plays a role in how the concept of hypersexuality is viewed. Some cultures that see sexual interaction in a positive light may be less quick to label someone who wants to have sex with multiple partners as a “sex addict”, as opposed to cultures that have a more conservative stand on the topic.
Causes of Hypersexuality
The science behind the causes of hypersexuality is unclear, but scientists have hypothesized several generalized causes which might be behind it.
One potential factor could be due to mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. Another option is that adults who have hypersexuality had a history of sexual abuse as children. Engaging in high-risk sexual behavior may also have links with family problems and societal pressures.
Diagnosing the Signs of Hypersexuality
Hypersexuality is not currently an official diagnosis by psychiatrists and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Regardless, here are some potential features that’s common among adults with hypersexuality.
These symptoms include:
- Constant thoughts of sex and sexual behavior during one’s free time
- Engaging or fantasizing about sexual acts during stressful situations
- Engaging or fantasizing about sexual acts in periods of boredom, anxiety, and irritability
- Performing sexual acts regardless of risks posed on the physical and mental wellbeing of others
- Multiple unsuccessful attempts to curb or control sexual urges
If you suffer from this condition and are over 18 years old, you’re eligible for treatment. Consult with a sexual health professional to find out more about hypersexuality, its root causes, and its remedies.
Treatment for Hypersexuality
If you or a loved one suffers from symptoms of hypersexuality, it’s best to not lose hope. There are several treatment options available to help improve your life. This includes:
- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Mindfulness
Let’s look at the most common and accessible ways that you can get treated.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the most widely recognized treatment for hypersexuality. A form of psychotherapy calledcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is usually used to treat compulsive sexual behavior and help you better cope with this condition.
Other forms of psychological treatments are also available, including acceptance and commitment therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy. This type of therapy helps you be more aware of your desires and provide a new perspective on how to better control any harmful actions that may arise.
Medications
There’s a variety of medications that may help you control sexual urges and obsessive behaviors. Some of the medications used to treat compulsive sexual behavior are also often prescribed for other conditions.
Some of these medications are:
- Antidepressants: Some types of antidepressants that treat mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and OCD can also assist in treating hypersexuality.
- Mood stabilizers: Commonly used to treat bipolar disorders, mood stabilizers may also help treat hypersexuality, especially if it’s tied to bipolar-related mania.
- Anti-androgens: These drugs are made to lower androgen levels in men. Reducing male hormones may decrease sex drive and sexual fantasies, which can help some people gain control of their sexual urges.
- Naltrexone: This medication is an opioid receptor blocker and is found to help treat individuals with compulsive sexual behaviors and other addictions.
Get a doctor’s evaluation and prescription before starting any of these medications.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that focuses on being more aware, open, and accepting.
It can assist you in coping with your compulsive sexual behavior since it helps you gain a better understanding of yourself and how your body feels. By practicing mindfulness exercises, your self-awareness increases and you can learn how to control your body better.
Consult a Medical Doctor to Treat Underlying Causes of Sexual Health Issues
If you feel like you need more help in understanding or treating your sexual health problems, speak to an erectile dysfunction doctor or other mental health professional.
They can provide specific treatment options for your circumstances, including how to best reduce compulsive sexual behavior and live a better life.
Contact the team at Paramount Men’s Medical Center in St. Louis now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Missouri’s leading men’s clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
