5 Misconceptions About Sex Addiction

The term sex addiction has become a popular topic for a long time. Despite being mentioned more frequently, this term doesn’t seem to be completely understood by a lot of people. This article will provide the most 5 common misconceptions about sex addiction that should be dispelled.

Myth #1. Sex addiction is all about sex.

Sex addiction or sexual addiction is not all about sex. It is the phenomenon in which a person is unable to put his/her sexual behavior under control. Sex addicts are not just those who have an uncommonly intense craving for sex. There are many underlying mental problems leading them to their sexual behavior such as stress, anxiety, depression, or shame. Sex addiction puts significantly negative impacts on these people so much that they have serious troubles with their lives, their daily activities, and their social interactions. Some experts prefer using the term hypersexual disorder rather than sex addiction.

Myth #2. Those who usually masturbate are sex addicts.

Although excessive masturbation is seen as the early sign of sex addiction, as long as the masturbation doesn’t leave any particularly bad impacts on your life, you are not a sex addict. In fact, frequent masturbation can give a lot of benefits to your health both physically and mentally. On the other hand, sex addiction is not just about masturbation. It comes in various forms including addiction to pornography, prostitution, exhibition, voyeurism, etc and behaviors including multiple sexual partners, sexual harassment, molestation, rape, etc.

Myth #3. Those who cheat are sex addicts.

Sex addicts may have multiple affairs and multiple one-night stands or in other words, they are not loyal. However, considering someone who cheats on their spouse as a sex addict is unfounded. A sex addict usually has the feeling of guilt, shame of what they do and try to stop, reduce, or control their risky behaviors. While a sex addict has trouble managing their sex drive, a cheater has more types of contact with their partner such as flirtatious texting, online chatting, or phone call.

Myth #4. Pornography-watchers are sex addicts.

This is totally wrong. In fact, pornography is helpful because it provides people with the opportunity to observe and learn about the human sexuality. It may be considered as a source for people to get new techniques and ideas for their sexual lives. Watching adult materials to relax, arouse, and learn has nothing to do with sexual addiction if it doesn’t threaten your relationship or dominate your life.

Myth #5. Sex addicts are only men.

There is no study or research about the imbalance in the gender of sex addicts. Experts said that both men and women are affected by sex addiction. While men are more addicted to the intercourse or masturbation, women have a higher addiction to a combo of sex, love, and romance.

You may also interest in:

• Sex Addiction – Causes and Treatments
• Sex Education for Teens: Why and When?
• Masturbation Addiction: Is There a Risk of Infertility

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.