Bipolar Disorder & Sexual Health

bipolarenlightenment:

Healthline has run an article about Bipolar Disorder and Sexual Health. The writer, Kelly Connell, makes the point that these issues are tough and often overlooked and yet I think they are so relevant to learn about and include within bipolar self-management. An excerpt from the article follows  (link to the full article below).

Sexuality & Mania

Hyper-sexuality [with high mood] is an increased level of interest in sex or increased amount of sexual activity that can seem out of control. It is characterized by:

• never feeling sexually satisfied despite engaging in a lot of sexual activity

• sex drive that seems out of control

• not having sexual gratification…

• excessive masturbation

• having continuous affairs and putting relationships at risk

• inappropriate and risky sexual behavior

• sex is used as a “painkiller” to avoid intimacy and other aspects of human relations that are feared

• not having emotional satisfaction from sex

• poor sexual impulse control

• preoccupation with sexual thoughts

• possible increase in use of pornography

Sexuality & Depression

…It is not uncommon for the person to experience low or diminished sex drive or hypo-sexuality. Hypo-sexuality and depression can be interrelated and for patients who are experiencing them, it can seem like and endless cycle…

Low sex drive can also be a result of side effects of medication taken to treat the bipolar disorder. This can cause some patients to stop taking their medication, which can send them into either a manic or depressive episode. Further, the depression that accompanies bipolar disorder can also contribute to sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction in men.

What You Can Do

Become educated…Patients and their partners need to insist that their health care provider address sexuality issues in a proactive manner and also be assertive about educating themselves as well.

Pay attention to symptoms and triggers. Helping to determine when extreme moods—either manic or depressive—are going to occur can alert patients and partners to watch for signs of hyper or hypo-sexuality.

Be aware of medication side effects. Discuss possible alternatives that may not have sexual side effects…

Be aware of sexual health issues. Protecting oneself and partners against unplanned pregnancy, STDs, and HIV is absolutely necessary…

Talk about it. Bipolar patients and their partners must communicate with each other about the realities of the disorder and how it may impact their relationship…

Seek professional help. It may be beneficial to utilize therapy along with medical treatment to help work through tough issues for both patients and partners…

The truth is, sexuality issues and sexual behavior can be some of the hardest aspects of bipolar disorder to treat…Getting bipolar disorder under control is the first step at reclaiming a healthy sex life. When someone is stable with their moods addressing underlying issues is easier…If the bipolar disorder is stable, their sexuality issues should hopefully become stable as well. There are many people with bipolar disorder who are able to have healthy relationships and satisfying sex lives.

Excerpt from Healthline  article written by Kelly Connell, PhD

(Source: healthline.com, via yesysabella)

Notes

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