Sexuality and Gender OCD
Sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD) is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts and doubts about a person’s sexuality. Similarly, people with OCD may experience intrusive doubt about their gender identity. In both cases, uncertainty is the source of anxiety and fear—not any particular identity itself.
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Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
Sexual fantasies do not necessarily indicate something you want to happen in real life—but some may be especially distressing. Here's what you can do.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Feeling anxious about an unwanted kink or fetish? Discover effective steps and expert guidance to address your concerns and find peace of mind.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
It's crucial to emphasize that fantasy remains distinct from action, or even from other kinds of desire.
Intrusive thoughts are, by nature, out of alignment with one’s values—but nevertheless, they can feel extremely worrying and shameful.
By Elle Warren
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
As a therapist, I’ve worked with many people who have this fear, and I’ve helped them uncover the reason behind it.
Unwanted erections are unavoidable. But for some, fear and worry about these normal occurrences can become extremely distressing.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Fear of an unplanned pregnancy, or spreading or contracting an STI, can become all-consuming and negatively impact people's lives in several ways.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
If you’re finding dreams and doubts distressing, you should know that a same-sex dream is very unlikely to be an true indicator of your sexuality.
By Melanie Dideriksen, LPC, CAADC
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Do you think you might have Sexuality and Gender OCD?
Our therapists are trained to treat every OCD subtype.
I’ve worked with plenty of patients who feel deep distress over doubts about their sexuality. Learn some of the reasons why, and what you can do about it.
We'll explain why intrusive thoughts and obsessions about sexually harming children do not reflect OCD sufferers' true desires or values.
By Grant Stoddard
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC