Episode 509: Out-Of-Control Sexual Behavior In Women
June 12, 2026 by Justin Lehmiller
When people hear about “out-of-control” sexual behavior, they tend to think of men. But women can struggle with it too, and their experiences have often been overlooked or misunderstood because most of the research and treatment models were built around male experiences. Today, we’re exploring the psychology of out-of-control sexual behavior in women, and what people often get wrong about it.
I am joined once again by Jess Levith, a licensed marriage and family therapist and AASECT certified sex therapist. She’s fully trained in both attachment-focused EMDR therapy and trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy, works with LGBTQQIA+ and kinky folks, consensual non-monogamy, women’s sexual health, and out-of-control sexual behavior.
Some of the specific topics we explore in this episode include:
- What do we misunderstand about women’s experiences with problematic sexual behavior?
- How do you distinguish between a high sex drive and sexual behavior that truly feels out of control?
- How do clinicians separate genuine sexual dysregulation from sexual shame?
- How does out-of-control sexual behavior differ in women and men?
- If someone feels their sexual behavior is out of control, where should they start in seeking help?
You can follow Jess on Instagram to stay updated about her work.
Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology.
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Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.
Dr. Justin Lehmiller
Founder & Owner of Sex and PsychologyDr. Justin Lehmiller is a social psychologist and Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute. He runs the Sex and Psychology blog and podcast and is author of the popular book Tell Me What You Want. Dr. Lehmiller is an award-winning educator, and a prolific researcher who has published more than 50 academic works.
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