Sexual dysfunction is a relative common occurrence among all people in our population. However, people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder report higher than average sexual problems.
Writing for About.com, Owen Kelly, Ph.D said the most common sexual problems for people with OCD are:
-- Trouble becoming sexually aroused
-- Low sex drive
-- Dissatisfaction with sexual partner
-- Fear of having sex
-- High levels of disgust when thinking about sexual activities
That last one is a particular problem for people who are obsessed with germs or contamination, which is common among OCD sufferers.
Women with OCD have more sexual problems than men, and often have trouble achieving orgasm.
Kelly says OCD sufferers should not be afraid to tell their doctors that they are having sexual issues. They might be able to help.
People should also talk to their partners:
The more your partner understands your symptoms, the more you will be able to will trust one another. Not being aware of the challenges you are facing could lead to misunderstandings (like "he/she doesn't find me attractive anymore") that get in the way of building intimacy and trust - the basis of any healthy sexual relationship.
