Sexual intrusive thoughts are a common problem that many people experience. However, because they are often considered taboo, many people do not know how to deal with them. In this blog post, we will discuss what sexually intrusive thoughts are, and provide some tips on how to manage them.
Contents
What Are Sexually Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive sexual thoughts are exactly what they sound like: thoughts about sex that pop into your head unexpectedly and make you feel uncomfortable. They can be about anything from masturbation to bestiality, and often occur when you’re not in the mood for them. If you’re experiencing intrusive sexual thoughts, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
Signs Of Sexual OCD
Some reoccurring circumstances happen cause of anxiety and stress and can be associated with intrusive thoughts. Common signs of Sexual OCD included the obsession and compulsion are:
• Feeling compelled to check if you have acted out on your intrusive thoughts.
• Fear that you will act on the thoughts, even though you know it would be wrong or dangerous. A Feeling guilty and ashamed after having an intrusive thought.
• Excessive checking for physical symptoms of arousal.
Few of the obsessions that people usually have in sexual OCD:
• Fear of being attracted to children. A Fear of committing a sexual crime or being a pedophile.
• Fear of being repulsed by the thought of sex with your partner.
• Constant fear that you are gay or lesbian, even if you know you are not.
In response to a such obsession, people come back with such activities so that they can deal with the anxiety caused by the sexually intrusive thoughts:
• Repeatedly checking if you are aroused.
• Avoidance of people, places, and activities that trigger intrusive thoughts. Repetitive praying or asking for reassurance from others.
• Constantly trying to block out unwanted images and ideas.
What Causes Sexually Intrusive Thoughts?
The cause of Sexual OCD varies, but some common triggers include past traumatic experiences, anxiety, stress, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with OCD might misinterpret their intrusive thoughts as evidence of a hidden desire to act on them. A genetic or biological predisposition might also be a factor. The environmental factor just as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) can also be the reason behind OCD.
Family history or sexual assault trauma at a young age can increase the risk of developing sexual OCD.
Types Of Intrusive Sexual Thoughts
Here sexual OCD is categorized into specific types:
- Sexual Obsession: This type of obsession involves thoughts and images related to sexual behavior. It might include fears that one would act on these urges, even if they know it would be wrong or dangerous.
- Homosexual OCD: Fear that you are gay or lesbian, even if you know this not to be true.
- POCD (Pedophilia Obsessive Compulsive Disorder): Intrusive thoughts of molesting children or being attracted to them.
- Sexual Orientation OCD: Fear that you may be attracted to people of the same sex, even if you know this not to be true.
- Violent Sexual OCD: Fear that you will act out violent sexual fantasies.
What To Do When Intrusive Sexual Thoughts Triggered?
Here are the managing tactics of sexual OCD:
- Recognize that the thoughts are not real: It is important to understand that intrusive sexual thoughts are just symptoms of OCD and do not reflect your true desires or values.
- Talk about it with a trusted person: Talking about intrusive sexual thoughts can help reduce the shame and guilt associated with them. Seek help from a family member, friend, therapist, or another reliable person – and tell them about your thoughts.
- Challenge the thought: Observe the intrusive thoughts without judgment, challenge them by asking yourself what evidence supports them, and then replace those with real facts.
- Ask For Help: If you are struggling with intrusive sexual thoughts, it is important to seek help from a professional. A therapist can offer support and resources for managing your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if needed. You can reduce the frequency of intrusive thoughts and lead a healthy life with the right treatment.
How To Treat Sexually Intrusive Thoughts?
Go through some below-mentioned therapies and cures that can help treat intrusive sexual thoughts:
With Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of therapy that helps you to challenge your negative thought patterns. It can help you develop coping strategies for dealing with intrusive thoughts, and it can also provide support for issues such as trauma or anxiety.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT): ACT is a form of therapy that helps you to accept your thoughts instead of trying to fight them. It also encourages you to take action despite the fear caused by intrusive thoughts.
- Exposure Response Prevention (ERP): ERP is a form of therapy that helps you confront the fear associated with intrusive thoughts and gradually build up your tolerance to them. This can help reduce the power they have over you.
- Impulse Therapy: Impulse therapy is a technique used to help people learn how to manage their urges and behavior. This can be useful for those struggling with intrusive sexual thoughts, as it helps them to identify triggers for the thoughts and develop strategies to deal with them more effectively. Medication Treatment: Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as antidepressants or anti-an
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a form of therapy that focuses on helping people build skills for improving their mood and managing emotions. It can help you adjust your thought patterns and find better ways to cope with intrusive thoughts.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs to help manage the symptoms of OCD. These can be helpful in reducing anxiety levels and helping you better cope with intrusive thoughts.
Self-Help Techniques
Learning mindfulness techniques can help you become aware of your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to observe them without judgment. This kind of awareness can be an effective way to manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It is important to practice self-care when dealing with intrusive sexual thoughts. This can include activities such as healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in self-soothing activities.
Conclusion
It was all about sexually intrusive thoughts and how to treat them. It is important to remember that intrusive sexual thoughts are a symptom of OCD and do not reflect your true desires or values. If you find yourself struggling with intrusive thoughts, talk to a trusted person and consider seeking help from a therapist or doctor. There are also several treatments such as CBT, ACT, ERP, impulse therapy, and medications that can help. With the right treatment and support, you can find relief from intrusive sexual thoughts.
Take care, and don’t forget that you are not alone! OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding OCD treatment, ERP therapy experienced therapists at OCDMantra can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
