What You Should Know About High Libido

Libido is defined as sexual desire, or the emotion and mental energy associated with sex. It's also known as "sex drive."

Your libido is affected by:

• Testosterone and Oestrogen levels are two examples of biological factors.
• Stress levels, for example, are examples of psychological factors.
• Intimate relationships, for example, are examples of social factors.

High libido is difficult to define because the baseline for "normal" libido varies from person to person. It is unique to each individual.

One person's "normal" may be a desire for sex once a day, whereas another person's "normal" may be having no sex drive at all.

Is it possible to be 'too high'?

A high libido, according to the Mayo Clinic, can be a problem when it leads to sexual activity that feels out of control, such as sexual compulsion.

This is also referred to as hypersexuality or inappropriate sexual behaviour (OCSB).

Sexual compulsion symptoms frequently include:

• Your sexual behaviour is affecting other aspects of your life, such as your health, relationships, and work.
• You've tried and failed numerous times to limit or stop your sexual behaviour.
• You keep your sexual behaviour private.
• You are reliant on your sexual behaviour.
• When you substitute other activities for your sexual behaviour, you do not feel fulfilled.
• You engage in sexual behaviour to avoid problems such as rage, stress, depression, loneliness, or anxiety.
• Because of your sexual behaviour, you have difficulty establishing and maintaining stable, healthy relationships.

What factors contribute to compulsive sexual behaviour?

The causes of compulsive sexual behaviour have yet to be determined.

Possible causes include:

• An imbalance of neurotransmitters: Compulsive sexual behaviour may be linked to high levels of neurotransmitters in your brain (think dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine), which help regulate your mood.
• Medication: Certain dopamine agonist medications used to treat Parkinson's disease have been linked to compulsive sexual behaviour.
• Health problems: Epilepsy and dementia may cause damage to parts of the brain that control sexual behaviour.

When should you see a doctor?

Help is available if you believe you have lost control of your sexual behaviour.

Because sexual behaviour is deeply personal, it can be difficult for some people to seek help if they are experiencing sexual problems.

But keep in mind:

• You're not by yourself. Many people are also dealing with sexual issues.
• The right treatment can help you live a better life.
• Your information will be kept private by your doctor.

In conclusion

Your libido cannot be measured on a one-size-fits-all scale. Every person has a standard libido. If your sex drive falls below that level, you have low libido. If your sexual desire exceeds that threshold, you have high libido. If your sexual desire begins to interfere with your quality of life, consult a doctor or other healthcare provider. You can also consult with a human sexuality-focused mental health therapist. A nationwide directory of certified sex therapists is maintained by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).