People on a spiritual journey might wish to control their sex drive so that they can focus on less worldly pursuits. Other individuals find their overactive sex drive is out of sync with their partner's sex drive or if they have no partner, a high sex drive might only result in frustration. You can control your libido with some simple lifestyle changes. A high sex drive is not necessarily a bad impulse, if you can find a way to make it work in your life.
Talk to your doctor about your sex drive. An unusually high sex drive, also known as hypersexuality or nymphomania, might be the sign of a serious medical condition, such as bipolar disorder or adrenal cancer. If your doctor suspects you have a sex addiction, she might refer you to a psychologist or therapist for treatment. Medications are also available to reduce your libido.
Consider your reasons for wanting to lower your sex drive. If you want to control your libido for religious reasons, talk to your spiritual adviser for assistance. Don't be embarrassed because he has likely dealt with the issue before. If you are in a relationship, talk frankly with your partner about mutual desire or sexual expectations.
Avoid sexual stimulation. Do not view pornography or read explicit books. Pay attention to your thoughts to see whether there are specific objects, settings or people that evoke a sexual response in you, and avoid them as much as possible.
Engage your body in sports, exercise or yoga. Keep your body busy and active so that you don't feel physically frustrated from not having sex.
Do not masturbate. If you find yourself becoming aroused, think of nonsexual images, and try to engage yourself in some other activity until the feeling passes.
Pursue nonsexual relationships with people. Consider traveling or taking up a new hobby together to bond with your partner in different ways. Join clubs or volunteer. You can still have satisfying relationships without having sex.
Abstain from alcohol or drugs, especially if you feel they lower your inhibitions and cause you do something you might regret later.
Warning
There is never any excuse for forcing your sexual urges on other individuals without their consent, either through physical power or emotional coercion. If you feel you could become a danger to someone, remove yourself from the situation immediately and talk to a counselor as soon as possible.
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Writer Bio
Heidi Almond worked in the natural foods industry for more than seven years before becoming a full-time freelancer in 2010. She has been published in "Mother Earth News," "Legacy" magazine and in several local publications in Duluth, Minn. In 2002 Almond graduated cum laude from an environmental liberal arts college with a concentration in writing.