[Ocean Swimmer]

Or is it risky behavior that's the manic trait of bipolar?
I'm not as much of sex addict as when I was younger. Some meds make orgasm impossible so what's the point?

[LadyShadow]

My libido is fine and dandy, even with meds. Sometimes with the mania I have an increase in sexual behavior, and then there are times where I feel guilty about it, go into a depression and don't feel sexy again for days.

It's an up and down thing, like anything with bipolar. But I know sex can be addicting.

From my understanding it is part of being manic.

We seek all types of risky behavior to cut the edge off the mania. Spending money, promiscuity and sex related choices that would otherwise be embarrassing, thrill seeking, substance abuse, etc.

I've done things I'm not proud of, particularly when it comes to sexual activities.

I am now stable and on meds. While I don't have the hunger for sexual activities that I used to I think my libido is just fine.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I got off the Effexor. It was causing the orgasm problem. And seraquel. Weight gain problem. Now a little heavy, don't feel very attractive to people.
I know there are people who like a little meat on the bones. But most people are very much into thin people.

[xRavenx]

Some people are just sex addicts without Bipolar, but being more preoccupied with sex than you are at baseline is a manic trait. Although my libido is quite high most of the time, with the exception of when I go into a deep depression, my sex drive is especially high when I'm manic. I am also prone to act out sexually or engage in sexual behavior that I wouldn't otherwise when manic since I can be very impulsive and place myself in situations where I am vulnerable.

There was one med a long time ago I was on that affected my ability to orgasm, but I can't remember which one. I was taken off of it though. It's been years since I've had that problem, and I've never had that issue with any other medication.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I tried lexapro again last spring and it actually made sex painful. I quit taking it for that reason. I was wild in my 20s while self medicating. The mania would make me bad, and the substance abuse would make me worst. But I really blame my promiscuity on BPD and lack of impulse control. I'm (somewhat) sober now and rapid cycling and my mania makes me dysphoric so it doesn't really make my sex drive out of control like I believe my BPD did.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I think the preoccupation with sexual encounters can lessen depression.
It does depend upon how much risky behaviors you enter into.
It can get crazy and start amping up to mania though. In my experience. But sometimes you need a rush.

[fishin fool]

I think bipolar caused me to have sexual addiction at one point.
I did take some risks and thankfully I am 100% ok but it could have gone very wrong.
I think between being in a bad marriage and manic episodes the sex was a rush like
OS said. I am a person who loves physical and sexual contact with my partner so
not having it for years and then being hypo manic on top of that was not good at all.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I can relate completely.