$Unique_ID{BRK02330}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There Anything Wrong with Being Easily Sexually Aroused?}
$Subject{genitourinary system community social behavior behaviors lifestyle
lifestyles sex sexuality sexually sexual arousal aroused hyperlibido infection
infections priapism encephalitis syphilis hyperthyroidism thyroid hormones
hypersexuality nymphomania nymphomaniac psychosexual disorder disorders}
$Volume{J-23,Q-23}
$Log{
Sexually Transmitted Disease:  Syphilis*0006402.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Anything Wrong with Being Easily Sexually Aroused?


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QUESTION:  By comparison to some of the women who work with me, it seems that
I get sexually aroused more easily than they do.  Does this mean that there is
something wrong with me?

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ANSWER:  Not necessarily.  First, it is really up to you to decide whether you
have a problem.  You say you are easily aroused.  If you have a cooperative
partner (that is, someone to have sex with), then it is not a problem.  If
your arousal interferes with daily life, distresses you, or if you have no
outlet, you have a problem.
     Bear in mind that sexual appetites differ from person to person.  Also
remember that "nice" women do get sexually aroused.  A fallacy held over from
the Victorians said that "ladies" don't enjoy sex.  That has changed as
society changes and as new ideas about life become the order of the day.
     If your easy arousal (or hyperlibido) is causing a problem, there may be
a physical (as opposed to psychological) reason.  A genitourinary infection
can cause irritation that may be mistaken for arousal.  In men, priapism (a
persistent erection that has no sexual cause) is often mistaken for arousal.
Neurologic problems, such as encephalitis or a head injury, can also cause
hyperlibido.  Curiously, a side effect of untreated syphilis can be nerve
damage in the brain leading to hyperlibido.
     Certain endocrine diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause
hyperlibido by elevating blood levels of the thyroid hormones and
testosterone.  Treatment for hyperlibido depends on the cause.  If the
underlying cause cannot be corrected, a drug called cyproterone is being
developed that may reduce hyperlibido and hypersexuality.
     If there are no physical causes, and you are worried about your own
sexuality, a concerned and skilled ethical counselor or physician may provide
the answers you seek.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.