Hypersexuality refers to an excessively strong sexual desire, often occurring during adolescence or the initial stage of adulthood. It can affect both men and women. Extremely intense hypersexuality is referred to as erotomania, with satyriasis denoting the condition in men and nymphomania in women. Currently, there are no epidemiological data on this disorder in the country, but literature reports suggest it is an extremely rare condition.

bubble_chart Etiology

The causes of hypersexuality can be divided into two categories: organic and psychogenic. The former includes temporal lobe lesions, cerebral syphilis, excessive use of marijuana or cocaine, and high doses of testosterone. Women may exhibit hypersexuality when suffering from adrenal or ovarian tumors. Psychogenic causes can be seen in certain cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder, mania, schizophrenia, and paranoid psychosis, as well as in some mental illnesses accompanied by aspermia, but also in individuals with subconscious psychological abnormalities.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

The manifestation of a sex addict is an all-consuming preoccupation with sexual impulses, an incessant demand for sexual intercourse. If these demands are unmet, it leads to emotional instability, anxiety, dysphoria, and frequent masturbation. This condition is often accompanied by chaotic sexual relationships, excessively high frequency of intercourse, and may even extend to behaviors such as prostitution, solicitation, rape, or incest.

bubble_chart Diagnosis

During diagnosis, it should be noted that the frequency and duration of sexual intercourse are not diagnostic indicators of hypersexuality. Some couples adapt to high-frequency sexual activity. Only when the patient experiences uncontrollable high sexual tension leading to a series of changes in emotions, behavior, or sexual partners can it be considered pathological.

In addition to treating the primary disease, psychotherapy can be combined with sedatives or anti-anxiety medications to eliminate psychological stress factors and alleviate tension, fear, and anxiety. Controlling masturbation and encouraging patients to participate in recreational, sports, and occupational therapy activities can help divert their attention. High-dose hormones may be used to suppress libido. For male satyriasis, large doses of estrogen can be administered, though this may easily lead to gynecomastia. In recent years, cyproterone acetate has been more commonly used, typically at a dose of 100mg daily. Alternatively, one-quarter to one-half of a contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progesterone can be taken daily or every other day. For female nymphomania, high doses of progesterone can be given, and reserpine has also shown some therapeutic effect.