14 DAY TRIAL // Sexual addiction has been regarded for long as a trivial subject but now it is a recognized condition, along with other addictions like gambling, shopping and even chocolate, factors that trigger a deep psychological dependence.
This is particularly valid in the US, where even stars admitted to experience it, like actor Michael Douglas, treated for the condition in a Hollywood clinic, and many researches were made in the issue.
A man asked from his former employer $5m after in the courts for being fired because he visited "adult" internet chat rooms while at work, saying that his condition needs sympathy.
Renown medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic come with advice on sex addiction on their website, defining as addicts those people who reserve "inordinate amounts of time" in sex-related activities while neglecting crucial aspects of their daily life. But in Europe, sexual addictions are not so largely accepted.
"It is awkward for anyone complaining of the disorder to get treatment in this country (UK). It would be very difficult for a patient who perceived that they had this problem to get help, certainly within the NHS. There are perhaps two or three people in all of England who have the necessary expertise to treat it." said Dr Geoff Hackett, chairman of the British Society of Sexual Medicine.
"Even more mainstream projects looking into the suggestion that up to 30% of women have 'underactive sexual desire' has fallen on deaf ears among committees funding research, so the idea that men or women could be addicted to having sex is even less likely to prosper. In the US, it certainly does have some recognition, but in the UK, it is difficult to get any new concept about sex disorders accepted." he added.
Indeed, others look at this denomination as just a handy excuse, more linked to cultural changes than to biological or psychological factors.
"There have always been a wide range of libido levels in society, and a high libido may be viewed as acceptable in one country, and unacceptable in another country, such as the US. Part of the problem is that while in cases of low sex drive we can often identify a medical condition underlying and causing it, I'm not aware of any medical condition that could contribute to a very high libido. My feeling is that this is a reflection of the societies we live in. Sometimes there is an awful lot of pressure on people to conform sexually." said Dr Ian Banks, chairman of the Men's Health Forum.