What’s a Normal Sex Life with Bipolar?

I'm guessing he's just some random idiot Julia. I wonder where he gets his info from... Natasha is clearly a reliable, wonderful and helpful person in dedicating her time to this blog. Personally, I have found it a godsend.

Um, who is this Bob person? . . .
Most mental illnesses are physical in nature (i.e. brain-based). IE. bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, clinical major depression . . .to name the most obvious.

Natasha Tracy, you are a moron!!! Not only that: You are irresponsible! You write, "It seems we’re all a bit mystified as to how this mental illness affects our sex lives." THIS IS NOT A MENTAL ILLNESS!!! How dare this topic be written about by you! A bipolar disorder is a physical illness that affects the chemicals in your body! At NO time does any intelligent person (in the last thirty plus years) rate this as a mental illness! The U.S. Courts even classify this as the only disease of this type that can be addressed by the Courts as it CAN BE measured and dealt with in a physical way! PLEASE - NEVER, EVER PUT YOUR NAME TO AN ARTICLE FOR OTHERS TO READ AGAIN on this subject (and probably any others if you show such stupidity in this field - you must be a complete idiot on any subject!!!!!!!!!!!!).

Just a quick question,I met a guy 8 month's ago,I didn't want to rush anything,he had mentioned he had bipolar,but I didn't take much notice,he rushed to tell me he loved me put the relationship tag on us and then 5 months later said it was to much pressure and wanted to take the relationship tag off us,so I agreed and left it at that,he was very sexually guy,but recently has said he isn't in the mood for it and now says he doesn't know how he feels about anything,could it b bipolar or is it him letting me down gently really unsure advice would b grate

Thank you so much for this! I have been dealing with the effects of mania-driven hypersexuality my entire life, though it was only after recent career change that I was afforded the opportunity to really be sexually free. Once I found that freedom, the bouts of hypersexuality/mania left me in a chaotic mess!
I had a therapist attempt to send me to an AA-like group for my promiscuous behavior, yet I took great offense to being labeled a "sex addict" when, clearly, my extreme sexual activities were related to mania and episodic in nature.
When I read you description of how it feels to be hypersexual, that it feels like you would "break through a wall to get to the sex on the other side," or what you said about being "aroused by a fishbowl." That is EXACTLY how I feel! I'm glad I am not alone.
I keep a blog related to my sexual exploration, much of which has been driven through bouts of mania. This exploration has had both positive and negative affects. My issue is that I think most people just cannot comprehend the feeling. I think most of the people subscribed to my blog think that I must be lying or exaggerating. How many people can relate to having multiple, anonymous partners for eighteen hours straight? How many people can relate the almost hellish experience of never having that refractory period following orgasm, which means nothing can truly get at that "itch" that takes over your mind and body? How many people experience going at it until their body just quits... and then still having the ravenous urge for it! I think you can, and I appreciate that so much!
Sorry to ramble, but I am happy that I discovered your page! Thank you for writing it.
-Kate

Jacie the main point I am trying to make here is that his behaviour has everything to do with his illness and nothing to do with his feelings about you.

Hi Jacie,
When I am not well it is very hard to function properly in any respect. It's also hard for others to understand that. When people put pressure on me, when I'm not well, to perform, even when it's done with love, I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I have two options then. My favourite option is to run away and cry. But, if I'm trapped in a corner, I will snap like a wounded animal. I hate doing this because I can see how much it hurts my loved ones. But sometimes I have no choice. I need time and patience for treatment to work, so I can get back to doing the things I love, and being the person I am.
Now your husband is a different person to me, so my insights may not apply here, but it's something to think about.

I am hoping to get some advise..my husband of 16 years never like holding hands, being intimate, just doing his own thing about 2 months into our marriage. I brought a son in from a previous and they seemed to hit it off. He was Dx'ed with Bipolar 2 and he lost interest in the kids and i and just went out after his job *which he had long before i met him. It has been such a lonely life for the kids and myself. He hasn't been hospitalize since i have been with him and seems very stable. Now kids are older my son moved out and my 16 year old can get him to do anything for her. Rides anytime of the night, borrowing large sums of money and he will never yell at her.
But with me he yells and rants and makes me cry and he just goes down the hall screaming shut up, shup up shut-up and puts another hole in the wall like last night. I don't know what to do anymore i have lost so much weight and wear a size 0 i look so ugly but he scares me with his moods and won't see a therapist, he said only one time that is it.
He also wants us to a marriage therapist but i do not think he is stable, I am really scare:( Jacie

I have been living with BP for so long I can't remember when I first realized things were not normal in my life. Over the years, especially when I was single, the need for sex was a constant. As I have gotten older, now in my early 50's, I have realized that the problem with the need was not for the sex but for the orgasm. I have only had one partner in my life who was able to accomplish this. For the past 10 years since I have been with my husband sex is not an issue. I prefer not to have sex as I am not satisfied and has become very uncomfortable (hurts to do.) Not being satisfied means I get depressed, I get angry, and feelings other than my own get hurt. So I no longer have sex to avoid these problems. Any suggestions to help me have an active sex life again?

I agree that people with Bipolar seem to be more sexually adventurous.
My issue is that I'll complain it's never enough, and then get depressed and say I don't want it. My poor partner...

At soon to be 54 and both HIV and Bipolar dating; let alone sex is hard, I have given up trying, not even into the new year two full months yet and I'm giving up alot lately.
I like what you write, keep up the excellent work.
Stephen

I am dx schizo affective/bipolar type and even though I am old, I still try to get it on as much as I can safely.

Hypersexuality is only an issue if it causes you to behave in such a way that is inconsistent with your values and your aims in life. So for example if a Christian was saving themselves for marriage but became disinhibited. Or somebody was impulsive and didn't use protection. Or somebody in an official position did something embarassing which came out in the press.
A low libido can be destructive to relationships, if there is not an understanding that the cause is medical and not personal.