There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A high libido can be normal for some people and not others.
Libido can fluctuate throughout life, depending on physical and mental health, hormone balance, and relationship satisfaction.
But if your libido becomes out of control, it can be a sign of a larger issue.
Causes
The libido can be affected by many factors such as medications, hormones, sleep, stress and the state of the physical relationship. Whether or not it’s within the healthy range depends on the individual and the circumstances. If you find that you are wanting more than your partner is able to provide, or you are finding yourself fantasising about other people, it’s worth talking to a sex therapist and/or consulting with your doctor.
Having a high libido can become problematic when it starts to interfere with the quality of your work, health and relationships. It can also lead to problems such as sexual compulsion or obsessive-compulsive sexual behaviour (OCSB).
Some medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s medication, brain injuries, some cancer treatments and mania, may cause a sudden increase in libido. Other possible causes include depression, anxiety and a lack of fulfilment in other areas of life.
Some people channel their intense sexual desire into something more fulfilling, such as exercise, creative activities, music or spiritual pursuits. Others find that simply having more time away from sex helps to reduce the urge. Being tired, stressed out or up to your eyeballs in dirty diapers tends to make sex a lower priority, as does feeling like an adult. Taking up new hobbies or learning how to cook, abseil or do DIY can help to restore the balance.
Symptoms
A high libido is usually considered problematic when it leads to compulsive sexual behavior, which is defined as engaging in sexual behaviors you feel you must do regardless of whether you want to or not. This can have a negative impact on your relationships, health and work. Compulsive sexual behavior is categorized as an impulse control disorder and requires professional treatment.
The baseline for what’s “normal” libido varies from person to person. For one person, normal may be a desire to engage in sexual behavior once or twice a day, while for another person it could be zero. It also depends on the circumstances and how your libido affects you.
Having a higher libido at an older age can often be a good thing as long as it doesn’t become disruptive or interfere with your daily life. A healthy sense of self-worth, getting enough sleep and not using the pill can all contribute to a healthier libido.
Depression and anxiety also lead to lower libido, so check with your doctor if you’re experiencing this problem. Medications such as steroids, antidepressants, some antibiotics and certain blood pressure medications can also impact your libido. In addition, weight gain, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and menopause can also decrease your interest in sex. If you’re worried, talk to your gynecologist or a mental health specialist who can help.
Treatment
Despite its complex nature, scientists still can’t agree on exactly what makes up a person’s sexual drive. While hormones play a large part, other factors like mental health, stress levels and relationship satisfaction also contribute.
It’s important to note that there is no “normal” level of libido. For example, some people may have sex every day while others may only have sex once or twice a year. There is nothing wrong with either of these scenarios. However, if you are having sexual urges that are disruptive to your work, relationships or quality of life, it is worth seeking out help.
There are several treatments available for a low libido, including sex therapy and antidepressant medications that can help to restore your libido. Additionally, avoiding substances such as cigarettes, recreational drugs and excess alcohol can be beneficial.
It is important to remember that a high libido can be just as unhealthy as a low libido. In fact, some studies have found that compulsive sexual behavior can be just as dangerous as other addictions. If you are having urges that are causing you distress or negatively impacting your relationships, it is important to seek out help from a sex therapist as well as your healthcare provider. They can get to the bottom of your libido problem and recommend treatment, if necessary.
Prevention
Many things can influence your libido, including diet, lifestyle and medications. If you find that your libido is out of control, seek help from a health care provider. A high libido can be dangerous if it interferes with your relationships or career, and can lead to compulsive sexual behavior (CSBD).
A normal libido is a personal thing, influenced by hormones, brain function and learned behaviors. It can vary from person to person and often fluctuates due to various factors, such as emotions and hormone levels.
For example, a high libido can be expected during the initial stages of a new relationship and when you go through certain changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s also common for a libido to increase during puberty and during certain events like marriage, childbirth and breastfeeding.
If you have a high libido, try to take some time for yourself and spend your energy on something else. It’s also a good idea to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, whether it’s a friend or family member or a mental health professional. If your sex drive is out of control and leading you to engage in risky behaviour, that’s a sign that you need some help. It’s important to seek treatment if it’s interfering with your life, and there are plenty of resources available.
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