The term "sexual addiction" is used to describe the dependence an individual may have on a particular sexual behavior.

This sexual addiction or dependence is characterized by repeated sexual behavior with :

• loss of control
• desire to interrupt them without succeeding 
• negative consequences for the subject and his family

And comes with :

• suffering
• sense of shame
• of guilt

The most common sexual addictions are 

• compulsive masturbation
• addiction to pornographic sites
• cybersex
• phone sex
• compulsive frequentation of strip clubs 
• certain forms of exhibitionism, voyeurism, fetishism, transvestism... 

There are tests available to assess sexual addiction. One of the most widely used is the SAST (Sexual Addiction Sreening Test). It has been translated into French and is a reliable and valid tool.

Please note: these tests are intended as a guide, but a diagnosis should always be made by a professional.

For further information, we recommend that you consult :

- The IFFS (Institut Français de Formation en Sexothérapie) website, with a special section on sex addiction
- The IFAC (Institut Fédératif des Addictions Comportementales) website, with a special page on sex addiction
- The Geneva University Hospitals website, and their special report on addictions
- The website of Dr Sanquer's practice, psychologist and sexologist

For support in cases of addiction, it's important to consult a professional such as a sexologist or addictologist.

Contents validated by the physicians of the Scientific College of the Ramsay Health Foundation.