Sex is a normal and natural part of life, but sometimes a person’s focus on sex can interfere with their life. And not all sex addicts are having sex regularly—some just feel intensely distracted by sexual thoughts. Are you worried you might have an addiction?
Answer just confidential questions about your thoughts and habits, and we’ll tell you if you have a sex addiction. Plus, we’ll offer expert-backed tips to help you cope.
Questions Overview
- Yes, it's hard to concentrate on other things.
- Sort of, but I can usually get my mind off it.
- Not really.
- Multiple times a day.
- Once a day.
- Once or twice a week.
- Rarely or never.
- Yes, many.
- Yes, a few.
- Not really.
- Yes, frequently.
- Yes, occasionally.
- No, not really.
- No, but I worry I would if I had the opportunity.
- Yes, multiple times a day.
- Yes, once a day.
- Yes, once or twice a week.
- Rarely or never.
- Yes, I do.
- Maybe. I'm not sure.
- Not really.
More Quizzes
Whatever the case, your preoccupation with sex is taking away from other important parts of your life, and it's getting in the way of being your best self. The good news is, help is out there. Consider reaching out to a therapist or psychologist to get to the root of the problem, and to form strategies to get yourself back on track.
For tips on where to start, check out these resources:
- Cleveland Clinic's Sex Addiction Explainer<\/a><\/li>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
- Psychology Today's Sex Addiction Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction","id":785307,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","relUrl":"\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction"},{"title":"How to Deal with Sex Addiction in a Relationship","id":13157526,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Deal with Sex Addiction in a Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":2,"text":"You probably don't have a sex addiction.","meaning":"Based on your answers, it doesn't seem like you have a sex addiction. It seems like your sexual behaviors are pretty standard and healthy for your age! Sex addiction is defined as an obsession with sex that starts to distract or detract from the other important things in your life, like school, relationships, or your job. From where we're standing, that doesn't seem to describe you. Remember, sex is a normal, natural, and healthy part of life, and is nothing to be ashamed of, even if you feel you are addicted to it.
That said, if you think your relationship to sex could improve, check out these helpful resources:- WHO's Sexual Health Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
- ASHA's Sexual Health Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction","id":785307,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","relUrl":"\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction"},{"title":"How to Deal with Sex Addiction in a Relationship","id":13157526,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship","relUrl":"\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship","image":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship-Step-13.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Deal-with-Sex-Addiction-in-a-Relationship-Step-13.jpg","alt":"How to Deal with Sex Addiction in a Relationship"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""},{"number":3,"text":"You might have something similar to a sex addiction.","meaning":"Based on your answers, we don't think you have a sex addiction. Sex addiction is defined as an obsession with sex that starts to distract or detract from the other important things in your life, like school, relationships, or your job. That doesn't seem to describe you, but from where we're standing, you do seem to struggle with some aspects of sex. Your struggles aren't quite addiction, but that doesn't make them any easier, we know.
Maybe you have some shame about your sexuality or sex life, or are sexually frustrated. Maybe you have ideas about sex that you worry are abnormal or strange. Whatever the case, remember, sex is a normal, natural, and healthy part of life, and is nothing to be ashamed of, even if you feel you are addicted to it.
If you feel troubled or lost, consider reaching out to a therapist or psychologist who can help you sort out your relationship with sex and understand yourself better in a private and confidential environment. Help is out there!
If you think your relationship to sex could improve, check out these helpful resources:- WHO's Sexual Health Resources<\/a><\/li>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
- ASHA's Sexual Health Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul>","edit_links":[{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-With-Porn-Addiction"},{"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction"}],"link_data":[{"title":"How to Get Rid of a Porn Addiction","id":725697,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Deal-With-Porn-Addiction","relUrl":"\/Deal-With-Porn-Addiction","image":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Deal-With-Porn-Addiction-Step-15-Version-4.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Deal-With-Porn-Addiction-Step-15-Version-4.jpg","alt":"How to Get Rid of a Porn Addiction"},{"title":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction","id":785307,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","relUrl":"\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction","image":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/-crop-200-200-200px-Overcome-Sexual-Addiction-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","alt":"How to Overcome Sexual Addiction"}],"minimum":0,"image":"","image_url":""}]" class="quiz_results_data"/>
![\"Demisexual](\"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e9\/Demisexual-Quiz.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Demisexual-Quiz.png\")
<\/picture>","alt":"Am I Demisexual Quiz"},{"title":"Sexual Chemistry Quiz","id":14517006,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relationships\/Sexual-Chemistry-Quiz","relUrl":"\/Relationships\/Sexual-Chemistry-Quiz","image":"![\"Sexual](\"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Sexual_chemistry_quiz.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Sexual_chemistry_quiz.png\")
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<\/picture>","alt":"How Vanilla Am I Quiz"},{"title":"What Am I Into Sexually Quiz","id":14632832,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Kink-Test","relUrl":"\/Kink-Test","image":"![\"Kink](\"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Spice-up-Your-Sex-Life-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-375-300-375px-Spice-up-Your-Sex-Life-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\")
<\/picture>","alt":"What Am I Into Sexually Quiz"},{"title":"Am I Aroace Quiz (Aromantic & Asexual)","id":14692845,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relationships\/Am-I-Aroace","relUrl":"\/Relationships\/Am-I-Aroace","image":"![\"Am](\"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Am_i_aroce.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Am_i_aroce.png\")
<\/picture>","alt":"Am I Aroace Quiz (Aromantic & Asexual)"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
- Intro to Managing Sexual Compulsions<\/a><\/li>
![\"Sexual](\"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Sexual_chemistry_quiz.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Sexual_chemistry_quiz.png.webp\"\/)
<\/picture>","alt":"Sexual Chemistry Quiz"},{"title":"Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz","id":14185289,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Dirty-Mind-Test","relUrl":"\/Dirty-Mind-Test","image":"![\"Dirty](\"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Dirty_mind_test.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Dirty_mind_test.png.webp\"\/)
<\/picture>","alt":"Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz"}],"number":1},{"text":"Not necessarily","result":"Interesting! In that case, check out these quizzes:","next_quizzes":[{"title":"How Vanilla Am I Quiz","id":14453057,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Vanilla-Test","relUrl":"\/Vanilla-Test","image":"![\"Vanilla](\"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Vanilla_quiz.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Vanilla_quiz.png.webp\"\/)
<\/picture>","alt":"How Vanilla Am I Quiz"},{"title":"What Am I Into Sexually Quiz","id":14632832,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Kink-Test","relUrl":"\/Kink-Test","image":"![\"Kink](\"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Spice-up-Your-Sex-Life-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/-crop-375-300-375px-Spice-up-Your-Sex-Life-Step-8-Version-3.jpg.webp\"\/)
<\/picture>","alt":"What Am I Into Sexually Quiz"},{"title":"Am I Aroace Quiz (Aromantic & Asexual)","id":14692845,"url":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Relationships\/Am-I-Aroace","relUrl":"\/Relationships\/Am-I-Aroace","image":"![\"Am](\"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Am_i_aroce.png\/-crop-375-300-375px-Am_i_aroce.png.webp\"\/)
<\/picture>","alt":"Am I Aroace Quiz (Aromantic & Asexual)"}],"number":2}]}" class="quiz_questionnaire_data"/>
All About Sex Addiction
What is sex addiction? Sex addiction is an obsession or preoccupation with sex, sexual fantasies, or other things related to sex.
What’s the difference between liking sex and having an addiction? Liking sex is totally normal and natural. It becomes an addiction when you begin to obsess, and that obsession causes harm to your relationships, physical or mental health, or other aspects of your life.
How common is sex addiction? It’s estimated that about 3-10% of all adults suffer from sex addiction, making it more common than you think. If you suffer from sex addiction, you’re not alone!
Is sex addiction like other addictions? Yes, it is. Like drug addiction or alcohol addiction, sex addiction involves intense cravings and overwhelming compulsions that are difficult to control.
What are the symptoms of sex addiction?
- Frequent or constant fantasies or thoughts of sex.
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior regularly.
- Chronic pornography viewing or masturbation.
- Struggling to stop your sexual behavior, even when you know it’s a problem.
Can sex addiction be treated? Yes, absolutely! The most effective treatments for sex addiction involve visiting a psychiatrist or therapist to discuss your specific experience to come up with personalized strategies to alter your behavior.
Want to learn more?
For more information about sexual health and addiction, check out these resources:
Medical Disclaimer
Any medically related content, whether User Content or otherwise found on the Service, is not intended to be medical advice or instructions for medical diagnosis or treatment, and no physician-patient or psychotherapist-patient relationship is, or is intended to be, created.
