Why Am I So Horny?
MindBodyGreen consults sexperts, including myself, about high libido.
Check out the full article Why Am I So Horny? 9 Causes of High Libido & What to Do or read the excerpt below:
When thinking about hormones and sex drive, testosterone often comes to mind. Indeed, testosterone is linked to sexual functioning and desire across genders, and when your testosterone is high, your libido may be higher too. Lots of lifestyle factors and bodily processes are associated with increases in testosterone, such as regular exercise, ovulation, or hitting puberty, among many others.
While testosterone is linked to libido, it's more nuanced than that. Both estrogen and progesterone also affect libido. "Estrogen is more clearly linked with physiological arousal (blood flow to the genitals, vaginal lubrication)," certified relationship and sex therapist Indigo Stray Conger, LMFT, CST, tells mbg.
Masturbating frequently can both directly and indirectly increase libido. "When we ignore our body's drive and arousal cues for too long through distraction, stress, or lack of a partner, those cues begin to go dormant," Stray Conger explains. So, the more someone engages in sexual activity of any kind, including masturbation, the easier it is to become physiologically aroused.
More directly, masturbation can also increase the release of hormones, like dopamine and testosterone. And while masturbating is often a solo sport, it can also help to increase pleasure with a partner. Individuals who masturbate often know what they like and how to communicate it to their partner so, therefore, report greater satisfaction in relationships and better intimacy and sexual communication.
There's nothing wrong with frequently feeling horny. In fact, a healthy sex drive and sex life are important for overall health and quality of life. "Sexuality is normal and healthy, and having sex in any amount is a positive contributor to both mental and physical health," Stray Conger says.
Some people will naturally have a higher sex drive than others, which is only a problem if it's distracting or disruptive for the particular individual experiencing it.
If feeling horny begins interfering with work, relationships, or other areas of life, or if it feels significantly distressing to you, reach out to a reputable sexuality professional such as a sex therapist. It may also be important to get help if you're engaging in risky sexual behaviors that could have a potentially damaging impact on your health, Stray Conger adds.