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Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
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Sexual Health - How ADHD May Affect it!

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Dr. DuraisamySexologist • 21 Years Exp.MD - Physician
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ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a chronic brain condition that leads to difficulty in prolonging attention on to a single thing, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Though it mostly affects children and teenagers, it often continues into adult life as well, and can pose serious issues in adult lives - specially in maintaining jobs and relationships.

Effects of ADHD on your sex life:

  • Impulsivity: If you are suffering from ADHD, it is highly probable that you are often very impulsive in nature - and are susceptible to taking a number of risky decisions, such as unprotected sex. 
  • Attention-deficit problems: Since your thoughts are often jumping from one thought to the other, you will find it very difficult to actually concentrate on any single job at hand. Since sex requires attention and use of judgment, distractions can prove to be detrimental to a healthy sex life.
  • Hyper-sexuality: This refers to the condition of an unnaturally high sex drive. It is basically caused by the stimulation of the brain by the release of endorphins during sexual arousal, which often leads to calmness and relaxes the restlessness that is otherwise so common to ADHD patients.
  • Hypo-sexuality: This is exact opposite of hypersexuality. This condition refers to an unnaturally low sex drive, where you may often lose all interest in sexual activity completely. Often, this is a product of ADHD itself, but it can also be attributed to being a side effect of a certain type of medication, especially anti-depressants. 
  • Other disorders: Women suffering from ADHD have been known to have difficulties in achieving orgasm, often in spite of prolonged sexual stimulation. Also, if you are suffering from ADHD, you may also tend to be hypersensitive - which implies, something that feels pleasurable to your partner, may be painful or irritating for you.

Suggested Treatments:

Certain suggested treatments for improving the sex lives of people suffering from ADHD are:

  • Including variety in sexual activity, such as different locations, positions etc.
  • Communication, which proves very beneficial in combating intimacy issues
  • Prioritize, and try to stay in the moment and not zone out, if you are suffering from ADHD disorders 

    If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a sexologist.