OCD Subtype:
Sexual
Sexual OCD is a subtype of OCD where intrusive, unwanted sexual thoughts, images, or urges that feel disturbing and completely out of line with who you are. These can take the form of fears about being sexually perverted, disturbing doubts about incest or bestiality, or an intrusive image that sparks the terrifying question, “What if this means something about my true desires?” To quiet the anxiety, you may find yourself trying to block thoughts from coming to your mind, and desperately attempting to neutralize them when they do enter, or scanning your body for signs of arousal—strategies that never bring the resolution you’re seeking and instead create even more confusion. On the outside, no one sees what’s happening, but inside it feels like an interrogation you can’t escape. The more you fight with the thoughts, the louder they become. With proper treatment you will learn there is no missing truth—only OCD twisting what matters most and turning it against you.
It’s important to understand these thoughts are ego-dystonic, meaning they run against your morals, values, and identity. That’s why they bring so much fear and shame—they don’t fit with who you are. Real desire feels natural and aligned; OCD intrusions feel forced, alarming, and out of place.
Sexual OCD can show up like:
Why would I think these things if I didn't really want to do them?
If I feel any sensation in my body, it must mean I liked it.
I always believed I have to have control over my thoughts and feelings, to make sure I’m a good person.
Why would I question myself if there’s not some truth to it?
What if I’m just fooling myself it is OCD only?
What if I’ve already done something without consent and don’t remember?
What if everyone knew what goes through my head—they’d see me as a monster.
Common Sexual Obsessions
Intrusive thoughts about violent or taboo sexual acts.
Fears about acting in unacceptable sexual ways toward others.
Fear of acting on unwanted sexual impulses such as exposing yourself, touching others, or making inappropriate sexual remarks.
Extreme fear of being attracted to a family member, animal, dead/inanimate objects, or children
Concern of becoming violent during sex.
Intrusive images of committing sexual aggression, such as rape, without any intention to do so.
Common Sexual Compulsions
Avoiding being alone with others, especially those more vulnerable you could easily overpower, such as children, disabled, or elderly people.
Repeating a certain prayer or mantra to “cancel out” or neutralize a disturbing thought
Mentally reviewing past sexual behaviors for signs of perversion or deviance.
Monitoring your body for signs of arousal when around the focus of your obsessions.
Avoiding sex so you don’t harm your partner.
Your thoughts Can Feel terrifying.
That doesn’t make them true.
Sexual intrusive thoughts feel terrifying because OCD convinces you they reveal something about your identity. But thoughts are not actions, and fear is not desire.
With the right treatment, you can step out of that cycle, separate who you are from what OCD throws at you, and start living with clarity and confidence again. You don’t have to keep questioning your worth or fearing your own mind. Recovery is possible—and it starts with reaching out.