Sex Addiction: A Real Problem
Compulsive sexual behavior, sometimes referred to as sex addiction, is a mental health condition characterized by difficulty controlling intense sexual urges. While not listed in the DSM-5, it is officially recognized in the ICD-11 by the World Health Organization as “Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD).” An estimated 8% of U.S. adults may experience signs consistent with CSBD, and many struggle with related issues in secrecy. Understanding this behavior and its health risks—especially when it involves unprotected or high-frequency sexual activity—is key to reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
STI Prevention With Condoms
Due to the advancements in technology, a lot of people have taken their addictions online, with an estimated 30% of all internet traffic being related to pornographic content. Furthermore, almost half of all people who use the internet regularly have accessed pornographic content online in the past.
Others, however, take their sexual addiction to the physical world, which can expose them to many diseases, including several sexually transmitted infections, that can have a significant impact on their life, well-being, and even their lifespan in general.
How To Stay Safe
Staying safe during sexual activity is the number one way to prevent the transmission of STDs and infections that are spread from one person to another through sexual contact. There are many ways in which a person can remain safe and significantly reduce the risk of such diseases – a monogamous relationship would be at the top of the list.
Read Also: Bexsero, Meningococcal B Vaccine, May Protect Against Gonorrhea, Study Finds
A monogamous relationship means two partners who are together will only have sexual intercourse and participate in other types of sexual activities with each other. Neither one of the partners will participate in any type of sexual behavior with a third-party individual. When both partners are tested for STDs and other infections before entering the relationship, and both have a clean “bill of health,” then there would be no risk of transmitting HIV, HPV, Gonorrhea, or other types of sexually transmitted diseases.
When it comes to having sex outside of a monogamous relationship, in cases where a person is dating multiple individuals or perhaps participating in sex with people they do not know for a long time, then certain steps can be taken to reduce their risk of STDs. This would include the use of a condom during sexual intercourse primarily. Studies have found that the use of a condom may help to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV from one person to another by around 69%.
Promiscuous Sex Addicts And STDs – Reducing The Risks
Sexual addiction often causes a person to make reckless and impulsive decisions when it comes to participating in sexual activities. In many cases, such a person would find themselves having sex or conducting other types of sexual behaviors with random strangers, whom they might have often just met. This greatly increases the risks involved with sex.
The issue here is not only the fact that the individual who suffers from sexual addiction can contract an STD if they are not careful in terms of who they have sex with – when the individual with the sexual addiction obtains such a disease and participates in sexual activity with a person who is “clean”, then they would be able to carry the disease on to that person. Thus, not only is the sex addict’s health in danger here, but also those people they will end up having sex with.
Modern-day medicine has allowed for the use of certain drugs that may assist in reducing a person’s risks, both the risk of obtaining certain sexually transmittable diseases, as well as the risk of transmitting an existing disease to another person. Below, we will take a look at some common STDs and what types of mechanisms have been put in place to help reduce the risk of spreading these diseases.
Read Also: HIV Breakthrough: Only 2 Shots a Year Could Prevent Replication of the Virus
Addressing Compulsive Sexual Behavior as a Mental Health Issue
Compulsive sexual behavior is a complex condition that often co-occurs with emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health challenges. Evidence-based treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and 12-step programs like Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA). Seeking therapy can help individuals understand their triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and form healthier relationships.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress related to impulsive sexual behavior, it’s important to consult a licensed mental health provider or a sex therapist. Treatment is available and effective.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
It is estimated that more than 1.1 million people in the United States are currently suffering from an HIV infection. It is also estimated that around 15% of these people are unaware of their HIV-positive status and have not yet obtained an official diagnosis.
HIV, also known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a sexually transmitted disease that attacks the immune system of the individual diagnosed with the condition. In particular, T cells or CD4 cells are attacked by the virus. This weakens the body’s ability to fight against pathogenic microorganisms that may lead to the development of infections, as well as particular problems in the body that cause disease.
HIV is not a curable disease. Once a person has obtained the virus, they will have the virus in their body for the rest of their life. The disease is known to affect the patient’s quality of life adversely and leads to a reduced lifespan, due to a higher risk of diseases and infections, including some cancers.
Even though no cure exists for HIV infection, there are treatments available that can help to slow down the rate at which the virus damages T cells in the patient’s body. This can help to prolong their lifespan at least somewhat.
Additionally, people with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral therapy cannot sexually transmit the virus to others—a principle now widely accepted in global public health as “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
HIV works in stages, of which the first is considered an acute stage. During this stage, the patient may experience symptoms such as headaches and diarrhea, along with nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and a red rash. The progression of the disease from an acute to a chronic state can sometimes be prevented when caught early. In cases where the disease progresses to a chronic state, the body’s immune system will be rapidly attacked.
The third stage of the infection is called AIDS. By the time AIDS develops, the patient’s immune system will be much weaker and will not be able to fight off infections and other diseases. During this stage, the patient may experience fever, night sweats, and a feeling of tiredness; their lymph nodes may swell, and they may also start to lose weight without any obvious explanation. At this point in the infection, the patient is at a much higher risk for lung disease, skin cancer, and other conditions that may cause premature death.
Truvada is a medication that was officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 2004. The drug combines two different chemicals that are often used in the treatment of HIV-positive patients – these chemicals include tenofovir Disoproxil fumarate, as well as emtricitabine. While the drug itself can be used as a treatment protocol for patients who have already contracted HIV, it can also be a relatively effective option to assist in reducing the risk of contracting HIV for individuals who are participating in risky sexual activities and behaviors.
Hepatitis Infections
Hepatitis B Virus
Hepatitis is a class of conditions that affect the liver. A patient who contracts a virus or another condition that causes Hepatitis will experience inflammation of the liver. In some cases, a Hepatitis condition may be acute and resolve in a short period. In other cases, however, Hepatitis may become a chronic condition and last for a period longer than six months.
It is not only an infestation of viruses that may lead to the development of Hepatitis. This family of liver conditions has been associated with some types of medications, as well as with alcoholism.
Hepatitis A and B are relatively common among people who frequently participate in sexual activities. Both of these conditions can develop when a person comes in contact with certain elements of an infected individual.
Hepatitis A is mostly transmitted when a person gets traces of feces from an infected person into their mouth. This is more common than some may think and is often due to improper hygiene. Traces of the virus can end up on a person’s hands, for example, and then transfer to their mouth.
Hepatitis B, on the other hand, is not spread through the same process. Instead, Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood, as well as other types of bodily fluids. This particular type of Hepatitis is more commonly associated with sexual contact.
In many cases, a patient who contracts one of these viruses will have no obvious symptoms. Even when no symptoms are experienced, however, the patient can still transmit the virus to another person.
In patients who do develop symptoms, a condition often referred to as a prodrome occurs. This includes a series of symptoms that are usually associated with the flu. The patient may become nauseous and may vomit. The patient may also experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle aches, and a low-grade fever.
Hepatitis viruses can often be prevented through the use of a vaccine. A particularly common vaccine that can be used is called Twinrix. Twinrix combines vaccines for both Hepatitis A and B types, offering a single solution to protect against these viruses effectively. While not 100% effective in all cases, the use of the vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
HPV Viruses
HPV Cervical Infection
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is considered to be the most common infection that is transmitted through sexual intercourse and activity. In the majority of cases, the HPV virus will not cause any serious complications, but there are cases where a patient who contracts the viral infection may experience a significant increase in their risk for cancer. Genital warts may also develop in some patients who contract the HPV infection.
Approximately 40 different forms of HPV have been identified. It is also estimated that approximately 20 million American adults have already been infected with this virus. Furthermore, there is an increase of approximately 6.2 million in the prevalence of the condition on a year-to-year basis.
There is a highly effective HPV vaccine available that contains inactivated forms of the virus that causes this infection. The particular types of inactive viruses contained in the HPV vaccine are the ones that most commonly cause genital warts and cervical cancer. These vaccines do not offer full protection, but can help to provide a significant reduction in the risk of obtaining and transmitting HPV.
Herpes
Genital Herpes
Herpes is another relatively common sexually transmitted disease that leads to the development of sores in the mouth, as well as the genital region. Some patients who contract the condition will only develop sores in one of these areas, while others will experience a more significant number of sores in both regions of their body. It has been estimated that about one in every six people in the United States has herpes, which affects their genital region.
There are some treatments available that can assist in reducing genital and oral sores caused by herpes, but the condition is considered incurable. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are often considered somewhat effective options to be used as a preventative method against herpes, and may also be useful for individuals with herpes who would like to reduce their risk of transmitting herpes to a sexual partner.
Gonorrhea
Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. This bacterial infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse and tends to cause infection in moist and warm regions of the patient’s body. Gonorrhea infections are often found in the eyes, the urethra, the throat, the vagina, the anus, and the female reproductive tract.
The most common reasons for the transmission of Gonorrhea include unprotected sexual activity – this may include anal, vaginal, or oral sex. The use of a condom may help to reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting Gonorrhea.
Some studies have found that a vaccine known as Bexsero, originally developed to assist in the prevention of meningitis, might also be useful in protecting against Gonorrhea infection.
Conclusion
People who experience impulsive or high-frequency sexual behavior may face greater exposure to sexually transmitted infections, but there are effective strategies for staying safe. Using condoms consistently, getting vaccinated for HPV and hepatitis, and considering preventive medications like PrEP can significantly reduce risk.
Equally important is seeking professional support if sexual behavior begins to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or emotional well-being. Mental health providers and certified sex therapists can help you develop a safer, more informed relationship with your sexuality.
Remember: Judgment-free support is available, and proactive testing and prevention can protect not just your health, but that of your partners too.
References
Addiction Hope. (2019). Sexual Addiction Causes, Statistics, Addiction Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects. Addiction Hope. https://www.addictionhope.com/sexual-addiction/
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What Is HPV & How Do You Get It? Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). What is Herpes? | Genital Herpes vs Oral Herpes. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/herpes
Hackett, D. W. (2019, July 2). Bexsero MenB Vaccine May Offer Gonorrhea Protection. Precision Vaccinations. https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/serogroup-b-meningococcal-vaccine-bexsero-reported-elicit-antibodies-neisseria-gonorrhea
