Don't Let ADHD Diminish Your Sex Drive

If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may find it negatively impacts your sexual relationships. ADHD is typically marked by hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, anxiety and difficulty paying attention.

If you have ADHD, you may notice you are hypersensitive to sensory stimulation during sex. This can make intimate touching and caresses irritating or annoying. ADHD can affect male and female sex drive.

Ways ADHD affects sex drive

Your libido, or sex drive, is another aspect that might be affected by ADHD—varying wildly from day to day or hitting such a low level you lose all interest in sex. This may also be a side effect of medication. For example, antidepressants, which are commonly prescribed for ADHD, have been known to cause low libido.

On the other hand, some ADHD sufferers have such an intense need and desire for sex they may seek impulsive and risky sexual encounters, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners. In addition to being dangerous, these impulses could cause a rift in an existing relationship.

How to manage ADHD and low libido

If these situations sound familiar, consider some tips for managing sexual issues and impulses that could result from ADHD.

Eliminate distractions

Turn off the lights, your phone and all electronic devices to help focus on the person you're with during sex. While some people put on relaxing music to set the mood, people with ADHD may find that distracting.

Communicate with your partner

Your partner needs to know about the symptoms you are experiencing, especially if ADHD is causing low libido. Let them know it's a condition you live with and not a deliberate response to anything they are doing. Being open with your partner may also help them understand the ways they could potentially help. Be proactive and let your partner know how you want to be touched and when you are or are not in the mood for sex. Be direct and transparent about your feelings.

Add variety

Mixing it up and trying new sex positions and locations for sex could curb your boredom and help you stay engaged and attentive during sex.

Exercise regularly

Staying active raises hormones and chemicals in the brain such as endorphins and dopamine, which can improve your mood and help you enjoy sex more. They may even make you less apt to participate in risky sexual behaviors.

Take your prescription medications

Many ADHD medications help you focus, which in turn allows you to stay in the moment and enjoy sex more. These meds may also help keep impulsive and risky behaviors under control.

Stay present

Staying firmly in the moment can be difficult for people with ADHD, but many find mindfulness activities to be beneficial. Practicing yoga, meditation or breathing exercises, for example, can help you relax before getting intimate. Having your partner join you in these activities could also be calming, meaningful and even alluring.

Schedule sex

Scheduling sex for a certain day and time could ease your mind. Knowing you have a specific time to relax and focus on sex can lessen your anxiety and help you prepare for it.

Get help from an experienced sex therapist

Many couples who are managing ADHD in their relationship benefit from psychotherapy and counseling. Therapy can help lessen symptoms from ADHD that affect your sex drive. A therapist can also help you learn communication skills to prevent or resolve misunderstandings with your partner, leading to more intimacy and, ultimately, more fulfilling sex.