How the issue has been historically viewed
Science has always looked at human sexuality with caution. During the Enlightenment, it was still attempted to be viewed with naturalistic interest, but by the 19th century, European scientists began to associate open expressions of desire with depravity or illness.
In those times, gaining the status of being sexually dependent was not so difficult, as even natural needs were viewed with suspicion. Some scientists believed Richard Bernstein, "East, West, and Sex. A History of Dangerous Liaisons" that women were not at all "capable of sexual feelings." Others condemned Sigmund Freud, "Essays on the Psychology of Sexuality" clitoral stimulation, considering only vaginal sex to be normal. So women who expressed improper desires could be labeled as nymphomaniacs.
Masturbation was associated with the development of various diseases, such as ossification of the joints and epilepsy. One of the most relentless fighters against self-satisfaction was American doctor John Harvey Kellogg. As a method of eliminating this dangerous ailment, he advocated circumcision and the application of stitches to prevent erections in men and cauterization of the clitoris with carbolic acid in women.
Even the familiar breakfasts of today are connected with the fight against base instincts: it was Kellogg who invented corn flakes. For this, one can be thankful to him, however, the doctor sincerely believed that consuming cereals lowers libido (unlike meat, which supposedly puts one in a frivolous mood).
However, over time, scientists concluded that human sexual needs are evolutionary determined David Buss, "The Evolution of Sexual Attraction" , and therefore quite natural and do not require draconian measures of suppression. However, the levels of hormones and learned behavior strategies are individual, which is why questions about how sexually active one needs to be still arise.
Is there a norm
Everything can change
It's not so easy to say what is normal and what is not. After all, even within the life of the same person, the degree of interest in sex varies.
Pubertal hypersexuality is highlighted. Teenagers are especially fixated on the subject of sex, which is completely logical for a changing body filled with hormones. Increased excitability and intrusive thoughts about sex are characteristic of people in puberty. As a rule, with the completion of sexual maturation, these manifestations pass, and sex remains an important, but not the main component of impulses and thoughts.
Adolescent hypersexuality is primarily characteristic of men, while in women, attraction is particularly strong after 30 years Daria Varlamova, Elena Foer, "Sex. From Neurobiology of Libido to Virtual Porn. A Popular Science Guide" . Of course, these are average data, and for specific individuals, everything varies.
Besides age, environmental and lifestyle factors can significantly affect libido.
Corn flakes are unlikely to hinder your attraction, but abuse of alcohol certainly can. Sometimes desire decreases against the background of taking antidepressants, as well as due to internal hormonal imbalances. A systematic lack of sleep also harms sexual temperament.
On the other hand, engaging in sports promotes increased attraction. So if you want your hormones to work more actively, add moderate physical activities to your schedule.
People have different libidos
It's hard to say how much sex and masturbation is needed for it to be considered normal. Often our ideas about what indicators to rely on are imposed from the outside. However, in personal life, everyone can set their own rules. Temperament varies among all people. Some individuals are satisfied with a few times a month or even a year, while others require release much more often. The main criterion here is subjective comfort and consent with a partner or partners.
Moreover, there are asexuals who do not need sexual relations at all. But even among them, everything can be very different Daria Varlamova, Elena Foer, "Sex. From Neurobiology of Libido to Virtual Porn. A Popular Science Guide" . Some do not experience attraction and arousal at all, while others simply do not want sex with other people but practice masturbation.
It is impossible to set a norm regarding the number of sexual partners.
According to statistics Average number of sexual partners in selected countries worldwide in 2005 , in 2005, the average number of partners over a lifetime among respondents worldwide was 9. In the USA, each person, on average, had 10.7 sexual partners, while in Indonesia it was 5.1. Naturally, these figures refer to the average per capita. Some maintain celibacy, while others have their number of partners in the dozens. It's also important to consider that in such surveys, people often report inaccurate data, either trying to impress others with sexual victories or, conversely, not wanting to appear promiscuous.
When sexual activity causes harm
Only the person themselves can determine what is normal for them and what is not. At the same time, behavior should not become destructive and lead to clearly negative consequences. There are several signs that indicate a problem exists and requires attention.
A person tries to quit but cannot
Here, the principle "no complaints — no diagnosis" largely applies. If one's own body does not cause discomfort and does not hinder the establishment of mutually satisfying relationships with others, one would have no reason to consult doctors. However, several attempts to control one's sexual behavior that end in failure are a warning sign. This may signal that external help is indeed required.
Obsessive-compulsive behavior arises
The person experiences intrusive thoughts and desires, which they attempt to cope with through specific actions (compulsions) — often exhausting, unpleasant, or humiliating. For a period, these actions help, but then everything starts anew.
Some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel the need to wash their hands dozens of times a day, while others touch stationary objects or engage in other rituals that suppress anxiety. For individuals with sexual compulsion, sex plays the role of a tranquilizer, whereas its quality and overall pleasant sensations are far from priority.
An adequate sexual response cycle is absent
Not every sex act necessarily has to end in orgasm; however, the standard human sexual response cycle includes a journey from arousal to release. People with sexual disorders may experience obsessive desires that exceed their capabilities. That is, desire persists even in the absence of physical arousal, and sexual actions do not lead to orgasm. Nevertheless, the person persistently continues attempts (which, by the way, can lead to genital injuries).
There is a threat to health and safety
Sexual activity should not lead to distress. This is the negative type of stress that disrupts the immune system and other bodily systems. If sex becomes so important that it hinders a person from taking care of themselves or causes them to forget about protection and possible negative consequences, something has gone wrong.
Rights of other people are violated
Whatever we desire, the freedom of will and health of other people should never be at risk. A person who commits sexual harassment or violence is dangerous to others and violates the law.
If you notice one or several of the listed signs in yourself, it is advisable to consult a specialist — a psychotherapist or a sexologist. There are also support groups for sexually dependent individuals.
So is it a disease or not
What medical classifications say
In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) of the World Health Organization, there is no diagnosis of "sexual addiction." However, in the ICD-10 publication, there is a diagnosis of "excessive sexual desire" F52.7 ICD-10 Version: 2016 . This includes nymphomania and satyriasis, which denote unhealthy, pathological forms of sexual desire in women and men, respectively. However, in modern sexological practice, these terms are used rarely. It specifically refers to the obsessive, torturous craving that leads to potentially traumatic actions.
In 2019, for the new edition of the directory, ICD-11, a section was prepared Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11 on "obsessive-compulsive disorder with a sexual basis." It speaks of a person's inability to control their desire. At the same time, the craving for sex leads to repeated episodes that harm their social, work, and family life.
Separately (though without mentioning it in the ICD), Twohig, M. P.; Crosby, J. M. (2010). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Problematic Internet Pornography Viewing porn addiction is highlighted — intrusive sexual activity using pornographic material. It becomes a problem when it occupies so much space in life that it calls into question physical, mental, and social well-being. Negative symptoms with excessive interest in porn include depression, social isolation, career loss, and significant financial expenses.
To be considered a separate problem, hypersexuality should not be a result of other mental disorders and dependencies.
Increased sexual excitability is characteristic, for example, for bipolar disorder in the hypomanic or manic phase, as well as substance abuse.
What doubts exist
Some doctors doubt Hypersexuality (“Sex Addiction”) whether sexual addiction should really be considered a medical diagnosis. Classic addictions, such as alcoholism and drug addiction, involve withdrawal syndrome. This means that after giving up the object of craving, hangover or withdrawal occurs. At the same time, individuals claiming sexual addiction definitely experience suffering when refraining from compulsive sex (the same support groups are aimed at preventing relapses).
The compilers of the latest edition of the ICD suggest Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder in ICD-11 that we currently lack sufficient scientific research to draw unequivocal conclusions and equate sexual addiction with others. Furthermore, medicalizing the problem may raise ethical objections and legal issues.
After all, if sexual addiction is a disease, then harassment and violence could be its symptoms. And those who commit them should not be judged but treated, as they cannot control themselves and cannot be held responsible for their actions.
For instance, in 2017, actor Kevin Spacey entered Kevin Spacey has entered the sex addiction rehab program at The Meadows clinic in Arizona treatment for sexual addiction at an elite clinic, where producer Harvey Weinstein also received treatment.
This approach raises a number of ethical questions and opens the possibility for abuse. Can we say for certain that a person commits harassment because they were driven by an irresistible impulse, or simply because they had the power and opportunity for unpunished molestation? Naturally, lawyers would insist on the former.
What is the outcome
Not every person who needs a lot of physical closeness is a sex addict. Often, having sex with an attractive partner is perfectly normal. However, regularly and against one's will seeking erotic adventures, and especially violating the rights of others, is already problematic behavior.
