What is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)?

What is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)?

Sometimes I want to have sex, and sometimes I don’t. This is normal. Every woman has her own level of what she considers “normal,” based on her experiences and biological drives. However, women who suffer from low libido, low sex drive, and lack of interest in sex may have a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

HSDD is defined as a condition in which sexual fantasies, thoughts, and/or desires or receptivity to sexual activity are persistent, causing personal distress and relationship difficulties. This distress is a significant factor. After all, some women who are considered to have low libido experience no distress or relationship problems because of it.

Prevalence rates vary, but the Association for the Study of Women’s Health estimates that about 1 in 10 women have HSDD, making it one of the most common female sexual disorders.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire and Decreased Libido

Hypoactive sexual desire by itself is not necessarily hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder also necessarily includes high levels of stress due to decreased libido (lack of sexual desire), which is important to confirm the diagnosis. However, the two symptoms are often linked, and the terms HSDD, hypoactive sexual desire, and decreased sexual desire can be used interchangeably.

Women can experience loss of libido or decreased sexual desire at different times in their lives and relationships. Loss of libido varies from woman to woman, and lack of interest in sex cannot be easily quantified. A woman’s interest may be lower than usual, and what is normal may change throughout a woman’s life.

Causes and Risk Factors for HSDD/Low Sexual Desire or Low Sexual Arousal in Women

The causes of sexual desire, attraction, or lack thereof are complex and can change throughout a person’s life. Sexual identity, desire, arousal, orgasm, emotional satisfaction, and intention are all involved.

Certain areas and functions of the brain control sexual desire. Sexual arousal involves neurotransmitters such as dopamine and melanocortin, which help process sexual stimulation. However, the brain’s sexual inhibitory system, which includes opioids and other substances, limits sexual arousal impulses.

While the mechanisms and reasons why this brain inhibitory system causes hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women are not fully understood, we do know that certain factors increase a woman’s risk of developing hypoactive sexual desire disorder. These include:

Partner’s sexual function.

Medical conditions such as diabetes.

Side effects of commonly used medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications.

• Negative attitudes toward sex.
• Relationship problems, including emotional or physical abuse.
• Mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression.

HSDD Symptoms

• Lack of or loss of interest in initiating or performing sexual activity.
• Lack of or decreased need to experience spontaneous desire, i.e., sexual arousal.
• No response to sexual stimuli or cues related to sight or other senses.
• Decreased or lost ability to maintain interest or desire for sexual activity for at least 6 months.
• Experiencing severe personal distress due to lack of sexual desire.

Treatment for Female HSDD/Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder addresses the psychological, social, and biological aspects of the disorder. Treatment decisions are always individualized based on each woman’s specific circumstances and needs.

It is often best to address all suspected underlying factors that cause HSDD, focusing first on those that are causing the woman particular distress. Our obstetricians and gynaecologists carefully discuss all treatment options with each patient before beginning treatment.

Psychotherapy and Sex Therapy

Psychotherapy is often helpful because it helps resolve unconscious conflicts from early development and ongoing issues in the woman’s life.

Some couples may need marriage/relationship counselling before or in addition to specific HSDD treatment. Sex therapy sessions may be recommended, which may include dual sex therapy involving both partners.

Medication Therapy (Drug Therapy)

Flibanserin Oral Tablets:

Flibanserin is a drug used to treat low libido. This symptom causes a decrease or absence of sexual desire. This medication comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth with a glass of water, as directed. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice if you are taking this medication.

The FDA recommends against drinking alcohol for two hours after taking flibanserin to prevent low blood pressure or syncope (loss of consciousness).

There are other medications that can be used to treat ADHD, including infrared rays. These include:

Testosterone is commonly used in premenopausal and postmenopausal women to balance reproductive hormones that affect sexual arousal, libido, and stress. Systemic hormone therapy is only recommended for postmenopausal women.

Bupropion is an antidepressant that has been shown to enhance sexual function, arousal, and orgasm in women with ADHD. It is a daily medication that is especially useful for ADHD associated with SSRIs, a type of antidepressant.

Buspirone is a drug used to treat anxiety disorders that may increase sexual desire. It can be taken before sexual activity and is particularly useful for SSRI-associated hyperactivity disorder.

Because the risk of using these off-label medications in patients with SSRI-associated hyperactivity disorder has not been adequately assessed, patient monitoring is necessary with all drug treatment options.

Reference:

https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/conditions/hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)