Symptoms

Some indications that you may be struggling with compulsive sexual behavior include:

• You have recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, urges and behaviors that take up a lot of your time and feel as if they're beyond your control.
• You feel driven to do certain sexual behaviors, feel a release of the tension afterward, but also feel guilt or remorse.
• You've tried unsuccessfully to reduce or control your sexual fantasies, urges or behavior.
• You use compulsive sexual behavior as an escape from other problems, such as loneliness, depression, anxiety or stress.
• You continue to engage in sexual behaviors that have serious consequences, such as the potential for getting or giving someone else a sexually transmitted infection, the loss of important relationships, trouble at work, financial strain, or legal problems.
• You have trouble establishing and maintaining healthy and stable relationships.

When to see a doctor

Seek help if you feel you've lost control of your sexual behavior, especially if your behavior causes problems for you or other people.  Compulsive sexual behavior tends to escalate over time, so get help when you first recognize there may be a problem.

As you decide whether to seek professional help, ask yourself:

• Can I manage my sexual impulses?
• Am I distressed by my sexual behaviors?
• Is my sexual behavior hurting my relationships, affecting my work or resulting in negative consequences, such as getting arrested?
• Do I try to hide my sexual behavior?

Seeking help for compulsive sexual behavior can be difficult because it's such a deeply personal matter. Try to:

• Set aside any shame or embarrassment and focus on the benefits of getting treatment.
• Remember that you're not alone — many people struggle with compulsive sexual behavior. Mental health professionals are trained to be understanding and discreet. But not all mental health professionals are experienced in treating compulsive sexual behavior, so make sure you find a therapist who is competent in this area.
• Keep in mind what you say to a doctor or mental health professional is kept confidential, except in cases where you report that you're going to hurt yourself or someone else, you report sexual abuse of a child, or you report abuse or neglect of someone in a vulnerable population.

Seek treatment right away

Seek immediate treatment if:

• You think you may cause harm with uncontrolled sexual behavior
• You have other problems with impulse control, and you feel like your sexual behavior is slipping out of control
• You are suicidal — if you're thinking of attempting suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (in the United States) at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)