Highlights
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can negatively impact relationships and sexual experiences.
- OCD has been linked to an increased risk for sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Treating OCD is often a lifelong process that involves managing intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
- Managing your OCD can help you to improve your sex life and intimate relationships.
- Find support for improving your sex life with eDrugstore.
OCD can manifest in many ways that can disrupt your sex life and intimate relationships. Fortunately, plenty of treatment options are available for treating OCD and related sexual dysfunction. Take control of your sex life by exploring effective OCD therapies and erectile dysfunction treatments, like Viagra.
OCD and Sex
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Though OCD is a well-known condition, many people don’t understand how severely OCD can impact one’s sex life and intimate relationships.
OCD Subtypes
OCD symptoms and their severity vary from person to person. There isn’t an official classification of OCD subtypes. However, researchers and practitioners commonly categorize OCD into subtypes.
These include:
- Contamination or germs. Fear of germs or contamination is one of the most common presentations of OCD. This obsession can lead to compulsive behaviors, such as frequent cleaning or hand washing.
- Checking. Compulsive checking is another common presentation of OCD. This may lead to repeatedly checking electronics, appliances, locks, or personal items.
- Rumination or intrusive thoughts. Having unwanted, intrusive, and often distressing thoughts is also referred to as rumination. For people living with OCD, these thoughts often revolve around forbidden, taboo, or harmful themes. For example, someone may have obsessive thoughts around their sexual orientation, their relationship, religion, or violent actions.
- Symmetry and ordering. Obsessions and compulsions around symmetry and ordering often involve obsessively ordering, arranging, and counting. This can lead to preoccupation with body proportions, grooming habits, and disordered eating.
- Other subtypes. Common examples of other subtypes include hoarding and somatic (related to the body) obsessions.
How OCD Symptoms Impact Sex
The subtype(s) and symptoms you experience will influence how OCD interferes with your sexual and intimate relationships.
Common challenges for people with OCD include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty becoming aroused
- Fear or avoidance of sex
- Feeling disgusted or ashamed when thinking about sex
- Low satisfaction with sex or sexual partner
- Trouble reaching climax or orgasm
- Triggering OCD symptoms when having sex
- Sexual compulsions
OCD and Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual function is intricately connected to mental and emotional health. Research has linked OCD to an increased risk for sexual dysfunction and lower sexual satisfaction. Specifically, OCD is associated with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and the inability to orgasm.
How Does OCD Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by, or made worse by, mental health disorders and stress. For example, research shows that men who suffer from anxiety disorders are at a high risk of developing ED. OCD was previously categorized as an anxiety disorder, but now belongs to a separate category within the DSM-5.
There are many factors that can contribute to ED in men with OCD, such as:
- Anxiety. Anxiety can cause or contribute to ED. Living with OCD can create additional stress and anxiety around sex, including performance anxiety.
- Contamination fears. People with contamination fears may feel distressed about sex due to preoccupation with hygiene, bodily fluids, skin-to-skin contact, or sexually transmitted infections.
- Medication. Some prescription medications used to treat OCD can interfere with your ability to become aroused, maintain an erection, and reach orgasm.
- Obsessive or intrusive thoughts. Having repetitive and intrusive thoughts can make it difficult to relax or feel comfortable enough to have sex. It can also disrupt your concentration during sex. This may be especially distressing if these thoughts are related to your sexual orientation, religion, or violence.
- Relationship OCD. Some people with OCD develop obsessions and compulsions related to their relationship. This can cause conflict within your relationship, which can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
Better Sex with OCD
Sexual dysfunction can happen to anyone and can occur in any relationship. OCD may make sex and intimacy more challenging to navigate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fulfilling sex life.
Work with your provider to determine the best treatment plan to achieve a happier and healthier sex life with OCD. You may benefit from using a combined treatment approach to treat underlying OCD symptoms, as well as sexual dysfunction.
Therapy
Individual and group therapy can be an effective treatment for OCD. You might also benefit from seeking sex therapy, individually or with a partner, to manage ED. Having your partner present in therapy can help you feel supported and help them understand your OCD symptoms.
Your provider may recommend exposure and response prevention (ERP), a popular type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for managing OCD. This therapy includes gradual exposure to situations that trigger obsessions and compulsions. The provider works with the patient to help manage reactions and resist compulsions over time.
Support Group
Connecting with a community support group can help you manage your OCD. Support groups allow you to share your story, hear about the experience of others, and feel more connected during your treatment journey. This can help to reduce shame or anxiety around your OCD diagnosis or related sexual dysfunction.
Medication
If you’re taking medication to manage OCD, talk to your doctor about potential sexual dysfunction side effects. They can help you to find the best medication for your needs, without compromising your sexual function.
OCD treatment is often lifelong, and it can take time to find the best treatment plan for your situation. You may benefit from using safe and effective ED drugs, like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Talk to a provider — your own or one of ours — to see if ED medication is right for you.
Find Support with eDrugstore
OCD doesn’t have to hold you back from having a healthy and fulfilling sex life. Finding the right ED treatment can help you to get back on track. You can find the best treatment with eDrugstore.
We offer free consultations with licensed physicians, who can issue your prescription at no extra charge. You can also order from our online pharmacy 24 hours a day. Shipping is quick, discreet, and always free.
Call 1-800-467-5146 for your free consultation and allow us to take care of all your erectile dysfunction needs.
Shelby is a public health professional with research and field experience in sexual and reproductive health. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).