Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Sex Addiction is Different for Women

Hypersexuality is not a "one size fits all" disorder - men and women have different motivations, behavior, and consequences when it comes to sex and sex addiction. Some experts believe that the challenges faced by female sex addicts can even be greater than those faced by males. Sexual addiction in women is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and ineffectively treated.

The goal for a lot of male sex addicts is often sexual stimulation, not a sexually stimulating relationship. Men also maintain distinct emotional boundaries with the object of their compulsive desires, and usually seek sex opportunities that come from anonymous, disconnected "hookups." Men often become disconnected and disinterested towards the person at the conclusion of their sexually compulsive acts.

On the other hand, women are oftentimes addicted to love and relationships, as well as the sex that comes with it. "Love addicts" are addicted to romance, intrigue, and/or fantasy that comes with relationships. This directly contradicts the male sex addict, as a female love addict will compulsively seek total immersion in a relationship, instead of remaining disconnected. The obsession with finding an exhilarating relationship can be more compelling than the desire for sex. They can seek multiple passionate, quick relationships that are often unstable. Their euphoria escalates throughout the course of the relationship, and stays until the relationship does not deliver the "fix" anymore.

In addition to this, women can also suffer greater consequences from sexual addiction. Women are more prone to health concerns such as unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted diseases. They also face a higher probability of physical harm like rape or battery, because they are often smaller and physically weaker than men. Women also suffer unique emotional consequences when it comes to the shame, embarrassment, and social judgment that is associated with sexual addiction.

L.I.F.E. Recovery offers help and treatment options for both men and women. Regardless of your gender or type of sexual addiction, you deserve to live your life with sexual freedom and integrity. Check out our website at  https://www.freedomeveryday.org for more information!

Reference:


"Female Sex Addiction: Understanding Gender Differences" by Ross Rosenberg http://www.yourtango.com/experts/ross-rosenberg/female-sex-addiction-understanding-gender-differences

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