Is Having a High Sex Drive a Problem?

Having a strong sex drive isn’t necessarily a disorder. Here’s what you need to know:

1. What’s Normal?

Young people often experience a stronger sex drive, especially if they don’t have regular outlets to release it. As we age, libido tends to decrease gradually. Since everyone’s body and lifestyle vary, there’s no clear standard for how often sex or masturbation should happen before it’s considered “too much.”
If you have a regular sex life or masturbate routinely without it interfering with your work, school, or daily responsibilities—either yours or your partner’s—it’s usually not a problem. But if it starts to affect your daily life negatively, that’s when it could be a concern.

2. When Is It a Concern?

• Psychological factors: Long-term exposure to pornography, erotic videos, or written material can cause an increase in sex drive. In these cases, making changes to your lifestyle, developing new hobbies, and consciously redirecting your attention can often help bring your libido back to a healthier balance. For trusted info on sexual health and habits, see the CDC’s sexual health resources.
• Mental health conditions: Certain psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder during manic episodes, can lead to abnormally increased sexual desire. Professional psychiatric evaluation and treatment are important here. You can learn more at the National Institute of Mental Health’s page on bipolar disorder.
• Hormonal imbalances: Excessive secretion of sex hormones or problems with hormone-producing glands can cause heightened libido. Identifying and treating these underlying causes is key.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications, like dopamine agonists (including levodopa and cabergoline), can cause increased sexual desire as a side effect.

In most cases, having a strong sex drive isn’t considered a medical condition. But if you feel concerned about your situation, it’s a good idea to consult a reproductive health specialist or urologist for a clear diagnosis.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, understanding yourself and your partner is essential! If your “happiness in the bedroom” isn’t quite where you want it to be, it might be because you haven’t fully explored each other’s physical and emotional needs. For helpful guidance, check out our article on How to Discover What Turns You On.

No worries! Here’s a simple way to check your sexual wellbeing: click the image below to take our quick and easy sex IQ test. There are versions for both men and women—so invite your partner and take it together!