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ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, but it also affects adults and teenagers. Types of ADHD include primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive, and a combined type with different symptoms associated with each type. While much research on ADHD exists, few studies have looked at its effect on a person’s sexual health or impact on relationships. Doctors are aware that ADHD can have a negative effect on someone’s overall sexual health, which can impact their romantic relationships. How can ADHD affect sexual relations and sexual health Share on PinterestAleksandarNakic/Getty ImagesDespite a large collection of scientific studies, very few deal with the effects that ADHD has on love and sexual health. The findings of some that do exist found mainly negative effects on relationships, including:reduced reported quality of romantic relationshipshigher use of maladaptive coping strategiesless satisfaction in romantic relationships In terms of sexual relations, recorded studies have generally shown:teens with ADHD have nearly double the number of sexual partnerspeople with ADHD become sexually active at a younger age people with ADHD become a parent at a younger age than is typicalpeople with ADHD have increased casual sexual encounters Studies have also shown that adults with ADHD reported issues, including:higher divorce ratestrouble providing emotional support to partnersreduced stability in their relationshipsmore sexual dysfunction A recent review of studies from 2020 found similar results. Researchers noted that previous studies reported findings that people with ADHD had:more sexual desireless sexual satisfactionincreased frequency of masturbationincreased sexual dysfunction The researchers noted that more research is necessary in the area of ADHD and its effects on sexual relationships and health. Tips to improve sex in relationships for people with ADHD A person living with ADHD may experience more issues with their sex life. However, they may find that taking some steps can help improve their intimacy with their partner or partners and improve their overall sex life. While they may not help everyone, the following are a few tips to help someone with ADHD find more satisfaction in their sexual relationship. Increase foreplay Foreplay is any action or steps to help improve a person’s readiness for sexual intercourse. It can include things such as kissing, a sensual massage, or other activities that help someone get into the mood for sex. Taking the time to engage in foreplay can benefit anyone with performance pressure, which can affect someone with ADHD. It can also improve overall intimacy among partners. Have a conversation about symptoms A person living with ADHD may find it helpful to talk with their partner or partners about how and if their symptoms appear during sex. A conversation could help in understanding between partners, facilitate a closer bond, and improve sexual encounters. Remove or reduce distractions A person with ADHD may find that their mind wanders off during sexual encounters. Distractions in the room or area may increase the risk that they will find their mind wandering. Removing distractions from the room may help allow the person to focus during sex. Other tips for marriages with ADHD ADHD can affect other aspects of a marriage or romantic relationship besides sex. It can lead to divorce or breakups, often due to the non-ADHD partner deciding they can no longer deal with some of the behaviors of their partner. Some of these behaviors can include:persistent distractibilityforgetfulness inattention impulsive speech impulsive behaviors mental and physical restlessness While being married or in a serious relationship with a person with ADHD can be challenging, partners can take steps to help improve the relationship and prevent divorce or separation. Some tips to improve a marriage or relationship include:Managing expectations of a partner’s responses: A partner will often need to repeatedly ask for the same things and should continue to do so without expecting their partner or partners to change their behavior.Take time for self-care.Create healthy boundaries in the relationship.Examine roles and responsibilities: This can mean determining who is best at certain household chores and dividing them according to what is necessary and who does them best. Where to seek help Sexual health and problems can be a sensitive topic for people to discuss, but it is often an important conversation a person can have with their therapist or doctor. They may recommend seeking couples’ counseling or offer advice and help directly. A sex therapist could help people improve their sexual experiences and intimacy. However, not all will have experience dealing with some living with ADHD. When looking for a sexual therapist, a person may want to ask about their experience with clients living with ADHD. If they do not have any experience, an individual can ask them for recommendations of therapists who do have expertise in this field. A couple may also find that couples’ counseling or therapy may also help. A person’s treatment team may be able to help a person find counselors in their area. Summary A person with ADHD may find that their sex life is negatively affected. This can lead to issues with romantic relationships and trouble in marriage. While research studies are generally lacking, individuals can take steps to cope with some of the sexual side effects that ADHD or ADHD medications may cause. Often, these steps involve having a conversation with partners, reducing distractions, and increasing foreplay. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022Mental HealthADHD / ADDSexual Health / STDs 5 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Faraone, S. (2020). Love, sex and ADHD. https://apsard.org/love-sex-and-adhd-2/Potter, A. (2015). ADHD and sex. https://www.disability.illinois.edu/sexuality-and-healthy-relationships/sexability/adhd-and-sex-marchapril-2015Soldati, L., et al. (2020). Sexual function, sexual dysfunctions, and ADHD: A systematic literature review [Abstract]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32402814/Tschudi, S. (2018). Don't give up, don't give in: Survival skills for the non-ADHD partner. https://chadd.org/attention-article/dont-give-up-dont-give-in-survival-skills-for-the-non-adhd-partner/What is ADHD ? (2021).https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Lori Lawrenz, PsyD — By Jenna Fletcher on June 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about ADHDMedically reviewed by Alex Klein, PsyD A person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may have difficulty focusing, managing energy levels, and controlling impulses. 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