Sex Addiction Health Center

It is important to keep in mind that not all interest in sex is an addiction. Because sexual addiction is much more common among men, it is not uncommon for sex therapists to encounter couples in which the female is concerned that her male partner is addicted to sex. This may be particularly relevant when considering pornography. Many men (and women) enjoy viewing pornography. Certainly, viewing pornography by itself does not constitute a sexual addiction.

However, if it is excessive, causes problems in the relationship, and produces negative consequences, then discussing the possibility of an addiction becomes necessary.

Here are some common examples of behaviors that may indicate an addiction:

1. Being unable or unwilling to have sex with your partner except while viewing pornography,
2. Spending large quantities of money on sex (i.e., pornography, prostitutes, and phone sex),
3. Not going to work because the majority of the day was spent engaging in sex, or viewing sexual material. Similar to other addictions, the addict may minimize or ignore the harm they are causing to themselves or others. Therefore, treatment is often delayed until some crisis occurs.