Am I a sex addict?

[Deborah]

I have heard that there is a disorder that has to do with sexual addiction.  I'm not sure if it applies to me or not, but here is my problem:  I'm female, 20 years old, and I tend to masturbate daily.  I have a steady boyfriend and our sex life is great--I usually don't find myself masturbating on days when I am with him, but it makes me feel guilty that I have to do it on all the other days.  I'm not sure if I just have an overactive sex drive, or some sort of hormonal imbalance, or if I do it more for the relaxation it brings me.  I find myself doing it when I'm bored, or often after I'm done eating, when I'm alone.  I do have an anxiety problem that I have started taking meds to treat it and I don't know if this is somehow related.  Masturbating makes me feel relaxed afterward, but then I find myself feeling guilty and angry with myself for doing it.  It's like a viscious circle.  I realized it must really be a problem when I masturbated at work one time--I have my own office.  Is this completely ridiculous?
Also, I take Estrostep oral contraceptives.  Could this be contributing to the problem?  Please Help!

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Deborah,

The concept of "sex addiction" is not universally recognized or accepted by all clinicians, and refers to people who compulsively and/or impulsively seek sexual experiences. Signs of sexual addiction include persistent pursuit of self-destructive or high-risk sexual behavior, repeated unsuccessful attempts to limit or stop such behavior, severe adverse consequences (medical, legal, interpersonal, etc) due to sexual behavior, excessive amounts of time spent in obtaining sexual gratification, and sexual behavior causing impairment in social/occupational/recreational activities.

Masturbation is a common and normal activity, which only becomes "pathological" when it becomes a compulsive action that is beyond a person's control. It would be unusual for anxiety, anti-anxiety medications, or oral contraceptives to be the cause of your sexual activity or impulses. You may find it helpful to seek evaluation by a mental health professional, who may also help resolve your feelings of guilt about masturbation.

[rax]

I have often wondered that myself.  I have no answer for you, only an insight...I am like that when I have a working vibrator, or such. When I buy one, I use it to the ground.  Daily, multiple times in a day, out of boredom, desire, etc...then it burns out.  Sometimes, I can't really afford one, or get around to buying a new one and I go for months w/out...then I go crazy and need to buy one that instant! For no particular reason.  Sometimes I have the same concern as you, but I think that it is just healthy.  I have never masturbated at work before...but one time I stayed at my mom's house and I used my DAD's massager because I had never used a big, strong, plug in type and I was just soooo tempted...now that was quite disturbing upon recollecting...mybe I am sick!

RaxDax

[rax]

I have often wondered that myself. I have no answer for you, only an insight...I am like that when I have a working vibrator, or such. When I buy one, I use it to the ground. Daily, multiple times in a day, out of boredom, desire, etc...then it burns out. Sometimes, I can't really afford one, or get around to buying a new one and I go for months w/out...then I go crazy and need to buy one that instant! For no particular reason. Sometimes I have the same concern as you, but I think that it is just healthy. I have never masturbated at work before...but one time I stayed at my mom's house and I used my DAD's massager because I had never used a big, strong, plug in type and I was just soooo tempted...now that was quite disturbing upon recollecting...mybe I am sick!

          RaxDax

[sarah]

Don't worry about it.  Sex addiction is when you have to have sex with anyone, anytime, without regard for risk and without emotion or even attraction.  I assume you only have sex with your boyfriend?  I masturbate frequently, too.  Sometimes twice, maybe 3 times a day.  If you were wondering, I don't have a regular sex partner.  I know I am normal, and so are you.  And yes, I have masturbated at work....just don't get caught :)  It's only a problem if it interferes with your job.

[Donna]

When I was 20 (I'm now 32), I masturbated daily also.  I think it's normal for your age.  If you're feeling guilty about masturbating and trying to restrict yourself, you'll only want it more.  Just like dieting - we want what we can't have!  There's nothing to be ashamed of.  Even though you have a boyfriend, that doesn't mean you're taking anything away from him by masturbating.  It's not as if you're cheating on him! Be glad you can give yourself pleasure!