A high sex drive usually isn’t a problem if you do not feel ruled by your sexual urges or thoughts. If you have a high sex drive and are having all the satisfying sex you crave, then you might actually be rather pleased with it!
But you may struggle with your high sex drive if you experience any of the following:
You are not able to achieve satisfaction, no matter how much sex or masturbation you have.
You are not able to get the amount or type of sex you desire.
You are troubled or shamed by persistent fantasises.
You regularly sacrifice work, social or sleep time for your sexual exploits.
You have sore genitals from excessive sex or masturbation.
You habitually seek out unsatisfactory or risky sexual exploits.
You feel bad that your pursuit of sexual satisfaction prevents you from having a relationship.
But you may struggle with your high sex drive if you experience any of the following:
You are not able to achieve satisfaction, no matter how much sex or masturbation you have.
You are not able to get the amount or type of sex you desire.
You are troubled or shamed by persistent fantasises.
You regularly sacrifice work, social or sleep time for your sexual exploits.
You have sore genitals from excessive sex or masturbation.
You habitually seek out unsatisfactory or risky sexual exploits.
You feel bad that your pursuit of sexual satisfaction prevents you from having a relationship.
What Causes a High Sex Drive?
While increased sexual desire is perfectly normal for young people experiencing hormonal surges, if you are older, a number of other factors can impact your sex drive. A high sex drive can be a symptom of something medical – either a condition or the medication you take. This can include the results of Parkinson’s medication, some brain injuries, mania, hormonal imbalances and an overactive thyroid. If you do experience an unexplained change in your libido, it’s wise to get checked out by your doctor.
Other possible psychological and social causes can include:
• Grief.
• Stress, anxiety and depression.
• Unresolved trauma – sexual or otherwise.
• Shame surrounding one’s sexual preferences, experiences or body image.
• A lack of fulfilment and/or control over one’s life.
• Distorted beliefs around love, sex and intimacy.
• A lack of self-esteem and/or social anxiety.
• An all or nothing approach to life which can make downtime or boredom hard to cope with.
• An inability to properly process one’s emotions.
• Feeling stuck in relationship with someone who wants to have less sex.
Other possible psychological and social causes can include:
• Grief.
• Stress, anxiety and depression.
• Unresolved trauma – sexual or otherwise.
• Shame surrounding one’s sexual preferences, experiences or body image.
• A lack of fulfilment and/or control over one’s life.
• Distorted beliefs around love, sex and intimacy.
• A lack of self-esteem and/or social anxiety.
• An all or nothing approach to life which can make downtime or boredom hard to cope with.
• An inability to properly process one’s emotions.
• Feeling stuck in relationship with someone who wants to have less sex.
Age and Hormones
Hormonal changes play a big role in sexual desire. For young people, hormonal surges caused by puberty can trigger feelings of sexual desire for the first time. Hormones will continue to affect a person’s libido throughout their life. Some older research also suggests a possible association between higher testosterone levels in men and having a higher sex drive.
The Female Reproductive System
Sexual desire can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and often peaks around the time of ovulation. This is when testosterone levels are at their highest.
Ovulation is the time in the menstrual cycle when sperm can fertilize an egg. So, biologically speaking, it makes sense for females to feel more desire for sex around this time, as they are usually more likely to become pregnant.
Ovulation is the time in the menstrual cycle when sperm can fertilize an egg. So, biologically speaking, it makes sense for females to feel more desire for sex around this time, as they are usually more likely to become pregnant.
The Male Reproductive System
High testosterone levels are also linked to high sex drive in men. Testosterone production is usually at its peak at around 17 years of age, and levels tend to remain high for 2–3 decades after that.
This is also peak time for masturbation as an outlet for satisfying sexual desire. As men age, however, their testosterone levels tend to decrease, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
This is also peak time for masturbation as an outlet for satisfying sexual desire. As men age, however, their testosterone levels tend to decrease, which can lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Signs Your High Sex Drive Isn’t Healthy
You Always Choose Sex Over Seeing Your Friends
You Feel The Need To Justify Your Sex Drive
Your Responsibilities Are Falling By The Wayside
You Use Sex To Deal With Tough Emotions
You Use It To Cope With Anxiety
You Don’t Let Feelings Get Involved
It’s Causing Stress In Your Relationship
It’s All You Can Think About
It’s All You Ever Talk About
You’re Constantly Scheming About Your Next Hook Up
You’re Always Caught Up In A Web Of Lies
You Feel The Need To Justify Your Sex Drive
Your Responsibilities Are Falling By The Wayside
You Use Sex To Deal With Tough Emotions
You Use It To Cope With Anxiety
You Don’t Let Feelings Get Involved
It’s Causing Stress In Your Relationship
It’s All You Can Think About
It’s All You Ever Talk About
You’re Constantly Scheming About Your Next Hook Up
You’re Always Caught Up In A Web Of Lies
Summary
Everybody has their own standard libido. If your sex drive drops from that standard, you’re experiencing low libido. If your sex drive increases from that standard, you’re experiencing high libido.
If your sex drive starts interfering with your quality of life, speak to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
If your sex drive starts interfering with your quality of life, speak to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
