Changes in sex drive, or libido, are normal and can occur due to changes in hormones. However, having a high sexual drive can become a problem if it starts disrupting someone’s daily functioning.
It is important to note that there is no definition of a “normal” sex drive, and what one person sees as a high sex drive may seem normal to someone else.
Many people are curious about the nature of their sex drive. This article explores some underlying causes of a high sex drive and provides some tips for managing or reducing it.
Sex drive, otherwise known as libido, refers to a person’s desire for sexual activity and arises from the basic biological need to reproduce.
It is a natural feeling that anyone can experience, whether they want to reproduce or not.
Levels of libido exist on a spectrum, from no desire for sex at all to wanting to engage in sexual activity very often.
Having a high sex drive is not an issue unless it excessively preoccupies a person’s thoughts. For example, a person might wish to reduce their sex drive if it:
- interferes with their work, social life, sleep, or health
- affects their mental health
- is difficult to feel satisfied, no matter how much sexual activity they have
- affects the quality of their relationships
- causes them to seek out opportunities for high risk sexual behaviors
What constitutes a normal sex drive differs for everyone, and people are likely to desire sex more at different times in their lives.
Sex drive depends on factors such as:
- age
- mental health status
- energy levels
- physical health status
- relationship status
- social interactions
- medication, alcohol, or drug use
Age and hormones
Hormonal changes play a big role in sexual desire. A person’s libido
Levels of these hormones can vary depending on a person’s age. For example, hormonal surges caused by puberty can trigger feelings of sexual desire for the first time. Hormone levels will continue to affect a person’s libido throughout their life.
Mental health
Stress levels can also influence how sexually charged a person feels.
In times of high stress, some people might feel low sexual desire, while others might seek sexual satisfaction as a stress reliever.
Physical fitness and energy levels
Relationships
Having enjoyable sexual experiences, either with others or through masturbation, might also lead to an increased desire for sex. Research has shown that intimacy between sexual partners has
On the other hand, if a person is unable to feel satisfied — either through a lack of sex or unsatisfying sexual experiences — their sex drive might also increase.
Substance use
Alcohol consumption lowers inhibitions, which might increase libido in the short term. However, alcohol dependency might decrease sexual arousal, performance, and satisfaction.
Regardless of sex, a person’s sex drive can vary depending on their mental health, outside stressors, and hormonal fluctuations.
A
- men experience stable and high levels of sexual desire
- women experience more variable levels of sexual desire
- a woman’s libido is weaker and more sensitive
However, there is very limited evidence to support these assumptions.
Female
Sexual desire can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.
A
Some research suggests that people may feel an increase in sexual desire during the days they are fertile or halfway through the ovulatory cycle. Other research has concluded that female sexual desire can increase during the days they are least fertile.
Pregnancy can also affect a person’s libido due to fluctuations in hormone levels. A
Learn more about libido changes throughout pregnancy.
Male
Testosterone is the key male sex hormone, and levels of testosterone can have an effect on sexual desire and function. For example, low levels of testosterone can be a
Having a high sex drive only tends to become problematic when it interferes with other important aspects of life or if a person feels compelled to seek sexual activity in a way that feels out of control. This is known as compulsive sexual behavior.
Sometimes, when the libidos of sexual partners are not compatible, it can cause friction in the relationship.
Learn more about mismatched sex drives.
For anyone worried that their sex drive is very high and needs addressing, some strategies may help.
The following are some things a person can try to help lower sex drive:
Try talking therapy
If having a high sex drive is making a person unhappy, a counselor can help them explore their thoughts, feelings, and desires around sex.
They can help the person find ways to manage their sexual desire and any issues associated with it.
Try distraction
Engaging in sexual activities, either with a partner or through masturbation, is likely to perpetuate the need for more sex. So, if a person is keen to lower their sex drive, it may be worth trying not to act on every sexual impulse.
Distracting the mind with some form of physical exercise or an absorbing task might help a person channel this energy elsewhere.
Allow time for a relationship
People with a lower sex drive may misinterpret any intimate gesture by the other as a bid to have sex.
It may help to agree to be intimate without having sex. For example, go on a date or give each other a massage to show care for the other person — not so that they are more likely to agree to have sex.
For most people, having a high sex drive is a perfectly natural part of life that comes and goes depending on many factors.
It is usually nothing to worry about, but if it is causing stress or affecting other parts of life, it may be worth trying to channel this increased sexual energy into a different activity.
In extreme cases, a person can try seeking professional help.