Gynecology Sexual health

Hypersexuality Wikipedia

DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Hypersexuality |
ICD10 = F52.7 |
ICD9 = 302.89 |


Hypersexuality describes a desire for human sexual behavior at levels high enough to be considered clinically significant.

The concept of hypersexuality replaces the older concepts of nymphomania and satyriasis.
Nymphomania was believed to be a Psychology|psychological disorder peculiar to females and characterized by an overactive libido and an obsession with sexual intercourse|sex. In males the disorder was called satyriasis (for etymology of the words, see nymph and satyr). "Nymphomania" and "satyriasis" are no longer listed as specific disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders|DSM-IV.

Nymphomania owes its name to the feminine nature spirits of Ancient Greece, known as nymphs. These ethereal beings were known in folklore for their sensuality and overtly sexual pursuit of men. The term nymphomaniac is perhaps best known to consumers of pornography, where women are often described as "nymphos" or "nymphomaniacs." Satyriasis owes its name to the mythical masculine creatures of Ancient Greece, half man/half goat creatures known as Satyrs.

The threshold for what constitutes hypersexuality is subject to debate, and critics question if a standardized diagnostic threshold even exists. Sex drive varies widely in humans, and what one person would consider a "normal" sex drive might be considered excessive by some, and low by others. The consensus among those who consider this a disorder is that the threshold is met when the behavior causes distress or impaired social functioning.

Last Modified:   2005-12-19