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Studies begun at Johns Hopkins in 1966 have shown that compulsive sex offenders treated with antiandrogenic medication plus counseling have appeared to gain in self regulation of sexual behavior. The medication decreases the frequency of erections and ejaculation and also lessens the feeling of libido and the mental imagery of sexual arousal. The medication can be thought of as an appetite suppressant for the sex drive, intended to make self control easier. Such medication may be recommended in instances where improper sexual behaviors seem to have become compulsive or driven.

Side Effects:

Antiandrogens decrease testosterone and sperm production. This means that a man may not be able to father a child while taking the medication. However, it should be not be assumed that this is always so. Common side effects are weight gain, increased blood pressure, thinning of bone and feeling fatigued. The medicine is not feminizing. Other side effects are discussed in papers published as a result of work in this Clinic. These are available. Patients are asked to give informed consent before beginning such treatment. The treatment does not eliminate sexual drive. Instead, the patient will be maintained at a level intended to help him (or her) be better able to conform behavior to appropriate standards.