When we talk about sex addiction pictures arise in our mind of men, especially, with the #me too movement. However, women also struggle with sexual addiction. We do not think of the female sexual addict because cultural stereotypes portray women as not liking sex. Sexual issues in women tend to present as related to other conflicts. Therapists traditionally view female’s sexual acting out as a symptom of their diagnosis rather than a problem itself.
While a diagnosis of Bipolar will include inappropriate sexual behavior, the disorder can mask
the sexual addiction. Women often deny sexual addiction issues. They frame their conflict
exclusively as related to relationship problems. Thus, as a group female sexual addicts tend to
be more difficult to recognize and treat. Not many women seek individual therapy for “sexual
addictions.”
While female sexual addicts seek treatment for other issues it is only during individual therapy
that the sexual addiction becomes apparent. Comorbid issues such as; eating disorders,
alcoholism, drug addiction, depression or anxiety also mask the sex addiction. However, the
above mentions problems intricately connect to the woman’s sex addiction.
Females don’t admit their sexual addictions also because of the societal shame associated with
sexual acting out in women. These individuals are described by others as “whores,” “sluts,” or
“nymphomaniacs” who then hide their behavior rather than dealing with the negative labels.
Both married and single women exhibit sexual addictions. The two groups demonstrate some
similar reasons for engaging in sexual addictive behaviors but also some divergent ones. Single
women may long for a relationship while simultaneously being relationship avoidant. They may
find themselves unable to tolerate being alone instead always seeking a partner. Lastly, some
single women use sex as a means of self-medication to help with their intense emotional
turmoil.
Married women at risk for acting out sexually complain about feeling underappreciated,
rejected, or ignored by their partners. They exhibit terrible relationships with their husbands
and search outside the marriage for intimacy and sexual fulfillment. Both groups of female
addicts use sex to remedy their loneliness, boredom or sense of emptiness.
The reasons single or married women become addicted to sex are very complicated. Individual
treatment can help you find your way back to a more fulfilling existence with true intimacy and
better self-esteem. If you think you may be a sexual addict, please call to schedule your
individual therapy appointment today. Dr. Goschi can be reached at (312)595-1787 or by email
at barbara@drgoschi.com