Researchers from the Center for Postgraduate Medical Education in Warsaw, Poland, have identified indicators that may predict the onset of compulsive sexual behavior in women. The findings were published in a leading journal focusing on sexual medicine.
Compulsive sexual behavior disorder is defined by a persistent, recurrent inability to control intense sexual urges, leading to repetitive sexual activity for at least six months and causing distress or impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
The study aimed to explore how compulsive sexual behavior correlates with the socio-demographic characteristics of women seeking help or treatment for these concerns, according to the researchers.
The study sample consisted of nearly 700 women aged 18 to 66. Participants completed an online questionnaire detailing their demographics and symptoms of the disorder, including questions about pornography consumption and related behaviors.
Analyses showed that problematic pornography use emerged as the strongest predictor of disorder-related symptoms. The severity of symptoms tended to be higher among divorced and single participants compared with those who were married or in a stable relationship.
Additionally, the severity of the disorder showed a positive relationship with the number of sexual partners reported in the past year—the more partners, the greater the reported severity of symptoms.
The authors concluded that compulsive sexual disorder represents a significant concern for women and called for further research to identify protective factors that may mitigate symptom severity. They emphasized the need for ongoing investigation to better understand how clinical and socio-demographic factors interact in this condition [Source: Sexual Medicine Journal].