Did you know that ADHD affects nearly 5 percent of the world’s population of children, and 2.8% of the world’s adults? ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, can affect people in different ways. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which means that it impacts the growth of the brain and nervous system. These things can have an impact on attention, control of impulses, hyperactivity, and even things like a person’s sexual life! Because ADHD affects everyone in different ways, and can manifest differently for each person, its impacts can vary widely.

Some of the common things impacted by ADHD are focus, impulse, hyperactivity, relationship issues, and of course, the impact of ADHD medications.

ADHD and Sex Life.

How does the impact on focus affect one’s sex life? Well, since someone with ADHD may find it hard to maintain focus, and get easily distracted, this can also happen during sexual activity! Since their mind may be running all over the place, different thoughts, noises, and feelings may cause them to lose focus and be distracted during sex. This can make it harder for them to stay in the moment, and can make it even more difficult to stay aroused and interested. It can also make it harder for them to reach orgasm. It doesn’t mean they aren’t interested – it simply means their mind is constantly being distracted, causing their focus to go elsewhere. 

Impulsivity is also something that those with ADHD struggle with. This can create impulsive sexual activity. It is more common for someone with ADHD to partake in more impulsive sexual activity, such as casual hook ups, putting them more at risk. It is not because they don’t care about safety, but rather, their mind is very in the moment, leading to an impulse decision that isn’t fully thought out. 

Hyperactivity can become hypersexuality, which means that someone with ADHD may have a more increased sex drive, and even more intense sexual fantasies and thoughts. This desire can have good and bad effects on their sex lives, depending on how they are able to manage it.

Relationship issues can also stem from the effects of ADHD on a person. Because someone with ADHD may struggle with time management, disorganization, and forgetfulness, their partner may resent them. This can create issues with sexual intimacy, and lead to miscommunication, frustration, and less sexual satisfaction. Because ADHD can also create feelings of anger and loneliness, as well as mood swings, these affects may be felt within a relationship as well. They may manifest as arguments, and decrease happiness together. ADHD also affects attention span – a person with ADHD may zone out of conversations, making their partner feel like they are uninterested, when in reality they aren’t doing this purposefully. 

ADHD medications can likewise have a large impact on someone’s sexual life. Because these medications help relieve some symptoms, they are beneficial. However, they can also have side effects like changes in libido, arousal, and even an orgasm! Most ADHD medications are stimulants, which can lend energy throughout the day, but can also lead to energy crashes. This may make them unable to perform as they may have before. These concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if they are impacting a person’s sex life!

So how can you work through these things if you are someone struggling with the effects of ADHD in your relationship and sex life?

First, be open in communication with your partner. Explain how ADHD affects your life, and what you experience. 

Try to get rid of distractions during sex and personal time with your partner. Put your phone on silent, and try to focus on them and only on them!

Spend more time building up your foreplay. More kissing and touching can help focus your mind on your partner, allowing you to lose yourself in your partner during sex. 

Add regular exercise into your life. Exercise helps boost your neurotransmitters and dopamine, which can help you feel more sexual desire, as well as focus more during the act. 

ADHD is prevalent, and being aware of its total affects on your life can help you manage and maintain a more healthy relationship. Research is still limited on ADHD and its effects on a person’s sex life, but enough evidence exists to show us that people with ADHD experience issues sexually. With that in mind, always be sure to communicate, maintain patience, and try to focus!