Home Remedies for COMPULSIVE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR

Definition

Sexual expression is a natural part of a well-rounded life. But if you have an overwhelming urge for sex and are so intensely preoccupied with it that your health, job, relationships or other areas of your life are affected, you may have compulsive sexual behavior.

Compulsive sexual behavior is sometimes called hypersexuality, nymphomania or erotomania. Others call it sexual addiction — comparing the "high" of sexual activity with alcohol, drug or gambling addictions. But compulsive sexual behavior is generally considered an impulse control disorder — a disorder in which you can't resist the temptation or drive to perform an act that's harmful to you or someone else. In compulsive sexual behavior, a normally enjoyable behavior is taken to an extreme.
No matter what it's called, compulsive sexual behavior is a very real problem that interferes with everyday living and can even jeopardize your health. But with treatment and self-help programs, you can learn to manage compulsive sexual behavior and develop a healthier sexual life.

Symptoms

Compulsive sexual behavior symptoms vary in type and severity. The impulses to engage in sexual behavior can be chronic and intense, and may feel as if they're beyond your control. In general, if your sexual behavior is compulsive, you may have these behavior patterns:

* Having multiple sexual partners or extramarital affairs
* Having sex with anonymous partners or prostitutes
* Avoiding emotional involvement in sexual relationships
* Using commercial sexually explicit phone and Internet services
* Engaging in excessive masturbation
* Frequently using pornographic materials
* Engaging in masochistic or sadistic sex
* Exposing yourself in public (exhibitionism)


People with compulsive sexual behavior often use sex as an escape from other problems, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety or stress. You may continue to engage in risky sexual behavior despite serious consequences, such as health problems, the potential for sexually transmitted diseases and the loss of important relationships.

Men and women with compulsive sexual behavior may be married or in a committed relationship and appear to live otherwise normal lives. In reality, they often have trouble establishing and maintaining emotional intimacy. They seek gratification through sexual behavior, but are unlikely to achieve emotional fulfillment and their lives may feel empty. Compulsive sexual behavior can affect anyone regardless of sexual preferences, including heterosexual, homosexual and bisexual preferences.

Causes

It's not known what causes compulsive sexual behavior. Scientific research into sex addiction is relatively new, and researchers are still investigating possible causes, including:

* Brain abnormalities. Certain diseases or conditions may cause damage to parts of the brain that affect sexual behaviors. Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and dementia all have been associated with compulsive sexual behavior. In addition, treatment of Parkinson's disease with dopamine agonist medications may induce compulsive sexual behavior.
* Natural brain chemicals. The neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and other naturally occurring chemicals in the brain play an important role in sexual functioning and may be related to compulsive sexual behavior, although it's not clear how.
* Androgens. These are sex hormones that occur naturally in both men and women. Although androgens also have a vital role in sexual desire, it's not clear how they may be related to compulsive sexual behavior.
* Changes in the brain's circuitry. Some researchers theorize that compulsive sexual behavior is an addiction that over time can actually cause changes in the brain's neural circuits — the network of nerves that allows brain cells to communicate with one another. These changes may cause pleasant physiological reactions by engaging in sexual behavior and unpleasant reactions when the behavior is stopped.

Risk factors

Compulsive sexual behavior affects both men and women of all ages. It's not known with certainty, though, just how many people have compulsive sexual behavior. It's generally estimated to affect 3 percent to 6 percent of U.S. adult. More men than women are diagnosed with compulsive sexual behavior. However, women may simply be less likely to seek treatment and so are diagnosed less often.

Some experts believe that other psychological disorders may increase the risk of developing compulsive sexual behavior as an unhealthy coping mechanism. For example, if you were sexually, emotionally or physically abused as a child, you may have developed an unhealthy attitude toward sex, or feel ashamed and unworthy. Such feelings can inhibit normal sexual expression and intimacy resulting in extremes in sexual activity. Many people who engage in compulsive sexual activity report a past history of sexual or physical abuse.

When to seek medical advice

Most people with compulsive sexual behavior need professional treatment. Efforts to treat yourself or use sheer willpower to resist sexual compulsions are often unsuccessful because the urges are so powerful.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you contemplate whether to seek professional help:

* Can I control my sexual behavior?
* Is my sexual behavior hurting my relationships, affecting my work, or resulting in negative consequences, such as getting arrested?
* Is sex constantly on my mind, even when I don't want to think about it?
* Do I try to conceal my sexual exploits?

If you're concerned that you're obsessed with sex, look for a mental health provider who specializes in treating sexual behavior disorders. Your family doctor may be able to give you the name of a specialist, or you can contact a nearby major medical center and ask for a referral.

Seeking help for a sexual addiction can be difficult because it's such a deeply personal matter. Try to set aside any shame or embarrassment you may feel and focus on the benefits of getting treatment.

Tests and diagnosis

Because there's been little scientific research about compulsive sexual behavior, many aspects of this problem aren't yet fully understood. Some psychiatric experts believe it's related to obsessive-compulsiv e disorder, while others believe it's related to addiction and still others to impulse control disorders.

In any case, compulsive sexual behavior isn't yet considered an official, distinct disorder. However, it can be diagnosed as a subtype of an impulse control disorder or a sexual disorder. Some forms of compulsive sexual behavior may be considered a paraphilia — a socially unacceptable or illegal sexual act, such as fetishism or pedophilia. Conventional forms of compulsive sexual behavior, though, are simply normal sexual activities, such as masturbation, taken to an extreme.

For most mental health conditions, a diagnosis is made based on criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

There are no specific DSM criteria for compulsive sexual behavior, however. And it's sometimes difficult to determine when normal sexual behavior crosses the line into excessive or compulsive sexual behavior.

So to help make a diagnosis, mental health providers perform a thorough psychological evaluation. They ask questions about your sexual thoughts, behaviors and compulsions as well as your overall emotional well-being. They may ask about your use of drugs and alcohol, and about your family, relationships and social situation to determine if your behavior is negatively affecting your life. Your family and friends may be asked for their input. You may also have a thorough physical exam to see if a physical condition may be causing your sexual addiction.

Complications

Compulsive sexual behavior can have numerous negative consequences that affect both you and others. You may:

* Develop other mental health conditions, such as depression, extreme stress and anxiety
* Neglect or lie to your partner and family, causing the end of meaningful relationships
* Accumulate large financial debts purchasing pornography and sexual services
* Contract HIV, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases, and put others at risk
* Be arrested for sexual offenses, such as exhibitionism or solicitation of prostitution
* Lose your focus at work, risking your job
* Face an unwanted pregnancy
* Engage in other high-risk behaviors, such as drug or alcohol abuse
* Be wracked with guilt and shame

Treatments and drugs

Fear, shame or embarrassment may make it difficult for you to seek treatment for compulsive sexual behavior, but it's important to get help. Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medications and self-help groups. A primary goal of treatment of conventional forms of compulsive sexual behavior is to help you manage urges and reduce excessive behaviors while maintaining healthy sexual activities.

People with other addictions, severe mental health problems or who pose a danger to others may benefit from inpatient treatment initially.Whether inpatient or outpatient, treatment may be intense at first. And you may find periodic, ongoing treatment through the years helpful to prevent relapses.

Psychotherapy

Several forms of psychotherapy may help compulsive sexual behavior. These include:

* Psychodynamic psychotherapy. Focuses on increasing your awareness of unconscious thoughts and behaviors, developing new insights into your motivations, and resolving conflicts.
* Cognitive behavior therapy. Helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.
* Group therapy. You meet regularly with a group, under guidance of a mental health professional, to explore emotions and relationships.
* Family therapy or marriage counseling. Compulsive sexual behavior affects the entire family, so it's often helpful to involve your partner or children in joint therapy sessions.

Medications

There's little scientific research about using psychiatric medications to treat compulsive sexual behavior. However, some small studies have suggested that certain medications may be helpful. Which medication is best for you depends on your overall situation and other conditions you may have, such as depression or obsessive-compulsiv e disorder. You may benefit from taking a combination of medications. And you may have to try several medications to find the one that works best for you with the fewest side effects. Medications to consider include:


* Antidepressants. Those most commonly used to treat compulsive sexual behavior are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These include fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR), sertraline (Zoloft) and others. Because SSRIs can cause sexual side effects, you may be tempted to stop taking them. Talk to your doctor about your concerns and coping with side effects.
* Anti-androgens. These are medications that inhibit the biological effects of androgens — sex hormones. They may reduce sexual urges, erections and fantasies. They're often used only in cases of compulsive sexual behavior that is dangerous to others, such as pedophilia.
* Other medications. Numerous other medications also have been used to treat compulsive sexual behavior and coexisting problems, such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. These medications include mood stabilizers such as lithium, anti-anxiety medications, and naltrexone, which blocks the part of your brain that feels pleasure with certain addictive behaviors.

Self-help groups

Self-help groups and treatment programs are available for sexual addiction. These groups include Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA), Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (S.L.A.A.), and Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). They're modeled after the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) and may be helpful for some people. If you're interested in a self-help group, look for one with a good reputation and that makes you feel comfortable. Such groups don't suit everyone's tastes, so ask your mental health provider about alternatives.

Prevention

It's not known how to prevent compulsive sexual behavior. However, treating underlying brain abnormalities that may lead to sexual addictions may reduce compulsive behaviors. In addition, identifying and treating early symptoms may help prevent compulsive sexual behavior from getting worse over time, or escalating into harmful acts against others. Many people with compulsive sexual behavior were sexually abused as children. Appropriate professional treatment may help heal those emotional scars.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Although it may be very difficult to overcome compulsive sexual behavior on your own, you can take steps to care for yourself with healthy coping skills while getting professional treatment.

* Stick to your treatment plan. Take medications as directed and attend scheduled therapy sessions. Remember that it can be hard work and that you may have occasional setbacks.
* Education. Educate yourself about compulsive sexual behavior so that you can better understand its causes and treatments.
* Discover what drives you. Identify situations, thoughts and feelings that may trigger sexual compulsions so that you can take steps to manage them.
* Avoid risky situations. Don't jeopardize your health or that of others by engaging in risky sexual practices.
* Get treatment for substance abuse or other mental health problems. Your addictions, depression, anxiety and stress can feed off each other, leading to a cycle of unhealthy behavior.
* Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways to re-channel your sexual compulsions through exercise and recreational activities.
* Learn relaxation and stress management. Try such stress reduction techniques as meditation, yoga or tai-chi.
* Stay focused on your goal. Recovery from compulsive sexual behavior can take time. Keep motivated by keeping your recovery goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can repair damaged relationships, friendships and financial problems.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.