Here are a few factors as to why you may feel hornier than normal.
Is there such a thing as being too horny?
There’s nothing wrong with frequently feeling horny.
In fact, a healthy sex drive and sex life are important for overall health andquality of life1.
Both estrogen and progesterone also affect libido.
Diet
Certain foods, sometimes labeledaphrodisiacs, are believed to increase libido in some people.
According to osteopathic OB/GYNAnna Cabeca, D.O., both chocolate and cheese contain a substance calledphenylethylamine6(PEA).
“And PEA is believed to be responsible for that hormonal rush during sex.”
Alcohol
In general, many people find that alcohol can make them feel more horny.
That said, the relationship between alcohol and sex drive is complicated.
This may be because alcoholincreases testosterone in people with vaginasbut thendecreases genital responsiveness8, making it more difficult toorgasm.
Frequent masturbation
Masturbatingfrequently can both directly and indirectly increase libido.
More directly, Wiggins says, “It can also increase the release of hormones, likedopamineand testosterone.”
And while masturbating is often a solo sport, it can also help toincrease pleasure with a partner.
Menstrual cycle
If you’ve ever felthorny before or during your period, you’re not alone.
The hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout themenstrual cyclecan both increase and decrease libido.
(And yes, it is generally safe tohave sex during your period.)
Pregnancy
There are a couple of factors that could increase sexual arousal during pregnancy.
According to her, all of these feelings are “totally normal and good!”
Unless a doctor or OB/GYN advises against sex and orgasms while pregnant, it’s perfectly safe to engage.
If sex becomes uncomfortable further into your pregnancy, you may need to try a differentposition.
For heterosexual couples, Trubow recommends having the woman lie on her side with the male partner behind her.
Your bladder
For people with vaginas, a full bladder could potentially make you feel horny.
The placement of these body parts, unfortunately, also increases the risk of developingUTIs from sex.
Changes in mood triggered by seasonal changes can also affect sex drive.
While most people associateseasonal affective disorder with winter, the symptoms can also occur in the summertime.
Situational factors
There are plenty of situational factors that can cause someone to feel horny.
“Sexual desire is a bio-psychosocial event.
Meaning, for desire to occur, we need the right number of factors to be in play.”
What about hypersexuality?
“It’s about a balanced relationship with sexuality, pleasure, values, and emotions.”
In fact, sherecommendshaving sex every 48 hours.
Masturbate
One of the easiest ways to get your sexual energy out is throughmasturbation.
“Tantric practicescan also be helpful, moving sexual energy around the body touse in other ways.”
There are many other healthbenefits of masturbation, too.
Watching porn, either with a partner or on your own, can also help scratch the itch.
(Here: our guide to findingethical porn.)
In that sense, engaging in exercise may release some built-up sexual tension in the body.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulnessmeditationsare meant to help people connect with their breath and focus on the present moment.
Some people use meditation as a way ofgetting the effects of masturbation without doing it.
Should you seek help?
One of the biggest hang-ups for people who feel horny often is shame.
The takeaway
There are plenty of everyday factors that can make you feelhornier than normal.
Some of them can be controlled, like what we eat andhow often we masturbate.
Others, like our hormonal fluctuations or the change in seasons, are inevitable.
Unless your high libido is interfering with your daily life,there’s nothing wrong with those sexual urges.
