Whether it’s too low or too high, there are times when your libido may be an indicator of a deeper issue. Hormones like testosterone and dopamine as well as health issues can all impact your libido.
A problem can arise if you feel a sexual compulsion that you can’t control and it affects your daily life – This section was prepared by the website Erotic Elixir. This is also known as sex addiction or hypersexuality.
What is a high libido?
A person’s libido can be higher or lower than the average for their age, gender, and race. It’s important to remember that a high libido is not necessarily a problem in and of itself, but if it’s interfering with your quality of life or you notice a sudden change in your libido, then it might be time to consult a professional.
It’s also important to understand that libido is not the same as sexual arousal. Libido is all about what’s happening in your mind (like when you think about hot fantasies) while sexual arousal has to do with the actual physical sensations you experience (like getting wet or having an erection).
What is considered “normal” libido varies from person to person, since there’s not really a baseline that fits everyone. Some people may have a desire for sex once a day, while others may not feel any interest at all.
What’s most important is that your libido doesn’t interfere with your daily life, and that it feels natural for you. If it does, then you might benefit from seeking treatment with a mental health or addiction specialist to get to the root of the issue and prevent your sex drive from becoming compulsive behavior. This is especially important if it’s leading to unhealthy or dangerous behaviors like sexually transmitted diseases, serious health conditions, or major relationship issues.
How do I know if my libido is high?
A mix of intertwined factors determines a person’s level of sexual desire, including hormones like testosterone and estrogen (or progesterone in women). Being well rested helps, as does having a healthy sense of self-esteem and being in a stable relationship. Certain medications — including some antidepressants — can also affect your libido. And a lack of exercise can dampen your desire.
A normal libido can vary throughout the course of a day or even within a month. But if your libido spikes or dips for no apparent reason, that could be a sign of a more serious problem. First, talk to your doctor about it. Then, consider reaching out to a sex therapist or counselor.
A high libido can lead to frequent, consensual sexual activity and a variety of sexual fantasies. But when those desires and behaviors cause psychological distress or interfere with your daily life, you may be dealing with compulsive sexual behavior — also known as nymphomaniac syndrome, a type of impulse control disorder. Compulsive sexual behavior can take on a variety of forms, from uncontrollable masturbation to engaging in risky or violent behaviors with others. It’s a type of addiction that often goes undiagnosed and untreated until it leads to major medical problems, such as worsening depression or sexually transmitted diseases; personal or career issues; or physical harm to you or someone else.
How do I know if my libido is low?
If you feel like your libido is low, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider. This might be an ob/gyn, a psychiatrist specializing in sex therapy, or another specialist.
It’s normal for some people to not have much of a libido, especially in times of stress or illness. “It can be a sign of a lot of things,” explains gynecologist Raquel Dardik, MD, for NYU Langone Health. “It can be the sign of a health problem, depression, or just hormones.”
But if you’ve always had low libido and it’s suddenly starting to bother you, then that might be a problem. “If it causes you distress or puts a strain on your relationship, then that’s definitely something to talk to your provider about,” she says.
A low libido can also be a sign of compulsive sexual behavior, which should be treated by a mental health or addiction specialist as soon as possible, Dr. Valle says. But if you’re not suffering from any of the above, then don’t worry about it! There’s no scientific standard for what’s considered high or low libido, so whatever your sex drive is, you’re probably okay. Just remember to respect your partner’s sex drive, and don’t use sex as an outlet for stress or anxiety. And be sure to check out these seven tips for keeping your sex drive high.
How do I know if my libido is too high?
It’s important to remember that while libido is a part of sexuality, it is not the only aspect. Sexuality includes feelings, thoughts and behaviors—all of which can be influenced by a range of factors outside of your control.
Libido can be impacted by things like age, stress levels and relationship status. It can also vary from one person to the next, with some people craving sex every day and others wanting none at all. And, while stereotypes exist (think: teenagers with raging hormones), it’s important to remember that everyone’s sex drive is naturally different.
That said, it’s worth consulting a doctor if you feel your libido has gone up too much for comfort. You should also seek help if your libido is affecting your life negatively. “If you find yourself skipping work, cheating on your partner, or blowing your savings on sex toys to satisfy your urges, then you might want to see a mental health professional,” says Garrison.
There are also certain conditions and situations that can lower a woman’s libido, including perimenopause and menopause, painful sex and vaginal dryness. Other reasons for a low libido can include pregnancy, giving birth and breastfeeding, as well as sexual dysfunction caused by medication or sex-negative upbringing. In these cases, working with a sex therapist or counselor can be beneficial.
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