The male equivalent of nymphomania is called “satyriasis,” and a man suffering from this condition is sometimes called a “satyromaniac” or is said to be suffering from “satyrmania.” However, neither of these are formal medical terms.
Though the terms “nymphomania” and “satyriasis” are gender-specific, they indicate the same condition. They are both synonyms for hypersexuality, though both are somewhat archaic and are generally not used by the medical community anymore. Those who suffer from this condition will experience sexual thoughts and urges that are more intense or more frequent than what is considered to be expected.
What is a Satyriasis?
The term “satyriasis” originates from Greek mythology. The satyr was a horseman who accompanied Dionysus, the god of wine and theater. The poet and playwright Euripides wrote a play about satyrs called “Cyclops,” from which most of their features and myths about them are drawn.
The satyrs spent their lives chasing women and drinking wine to exclude all else. They were particularly obsessed with the maenads, or the female followers of Dionysus who would perform sacred rituals where they got drunk and worked themselves into an orgiastic frenzy.
Signs
A sex addict may have an uncontrollable need to be sexually aroused, and this need frequently obstructs their capacity to function in daily life. Sexual addictions can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including addiction to:
- Acts of sexuality
- Prostitution
- Pornography consumption or viewing
- Masturbation or fantasies about sexuality
- Vogueurism or exhibition
Sex addicts may change their activities to engage in sexual behaviors regularly, unable to stop their conduct regardless of the consequences.
Effects on Everyday Life
Hypersexuality can have serious consequences that go well beyond threatening your sexual health. These include:
- Relationship/interpersonal issues
- Difficulties at work
- The trouble with the law
- A loss of interest in things not sexual
- Low self-esteem and despair
Signs of a Sex Addict
Sexual addiction can develop in a variety of physical and emotional manifestations. Like:
1- Obsessive Sexual Thoughts
These are a type of compulsive behavior.
Someone suffering from sex addiction may find themselves thinking about sex all the time. Sexual fantasies or compulsive thoughts about sex can become obsessive and interfere with other tasks.
2- Wasting an Excessive Amount of Time on Sex
While looking for sexual partners isn’t always a symptom of sexual addiction, spending excessive time and energy on sex might be a warning sign.
3- Feelings of Embarrassment or Depression
The person may feel ashamed of their sexual desires and inability to manage them.
They might even exhibit acute sadness or suicidal thoughts.
4- Excluding Other Activities
A sex addict’s obsession with sex may make it difficult to engage in other activities. They may get behind in school, job, or personal commitments or retreat socially.
5- Excessive Masturbation
Excessive masturbation can signify sexual addiction, even though it can be a healthy method to explore sexuality and express sexual passion.
6- Taking Part in Dangerous or Inappropriate Behaviors
Sexual addiction can lead to improper and dangerous sexual practices in certain people. Exhibitionism, public sex, sex without protection, and sex with prostitutes are examples of this.
7- Cheating on Partners
Someone with sexual addiction may feel compelled to seek sex with new partners, even if this means cheating on a partner or having an extramarital affair.
8- Committing Criminal Sex Offenses
In extreme cases, people may engage in criminal activities like stalking, rape, or child molestation. While some sexual offenders may also be sex addicts, there is no evidence that sexual addiction can lead someone to commit sexual offenses.
Treatment
Psychotherapy, medicines, and self-help groups are commonly used to treat compulsive sexual activity.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy, often known as talk therapy, can help in the management of obsessive sexual activity. Psychotherapy comes in a variety of forms, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy
Medications
Medications that work on brain chemicals connected to obsessive thoughts and behaviors, reduce the chemical “incentives” these behaviors offer when you act on them, or reduce sexual drives may assist in addition to psychotherapy.
- Antidepressants
- Naltrexone.
- Mood stabilizers.
- Anti-androgens
Self-Help Groups
Self-help and support groups can be beneficial to persons who have compulsive sexual behavior and are dealing with the challenges that can emerge from it.
These groups can assist you:
- Find out more about your illness.
- Find people who can help you and understand what you’re going through.
- Help identify treatment options, coping behaviors, and resources
- Relapse prevention assistance
Coping
Aside from the treatment plan that a medical or mental health professional has given you, here are some things to remember:
- Stick to your treatment plan in the letter.
- Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.
- Become a member of a support group.
- Avoid provoking circumstances as much as possible.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that if you or someone you love is struggling with compulsive sexual activity, therapy and recovery are attainable. You’re not on your own. A skilled mental health expert can assist you in identifying underlying problems and developing a treatment plan to help you get back on your feet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- How do men treat hypersexuality?
Psychotherapy, medicines, and self-help groups are commonly used to treat compulsive sexual activity. A big goal of therapy is to help you control your cravings and reduce excessive behaviors while maintaining a healthy sexual lifestyle.
2- What triggers hypersexuality?
The causes of hypersexual behavior are not well understood. However, sex addiction and hypersexuality may sometimes be caused by traumatic experiences, distress, or mental illness, such as bipolar disorder. Adults who have been sexually abused as children may display increased sexual behavior.
3- How common is hypersexuality?
Hypersexual behavior is more prevalent in men, ranging from 3.9% to 30%, compared to 2.1–25% in women. Dewhurst et al. (1970) reported, in their study of the sociopsychiatric consequences of HD, that 30 of 102 patients displayed abnormal sexual behavior, including 19 (18.6%) with hypersexual behavior.
