Dealing with Lack of Sexual Desire as a Woman
The medical term for lack of sexual desire is hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). This condition is extremely common. In fact, one-third of women ages 18 to 59 report having low sexual desire. However, this condition can be very tricky to diagnose and treat since “low sexual desire” can be defined very differently from person to person. For that reason, the official definition is when someone experiences a significant decrease in sexual desire that has an impact on their emotional quality of life and relationships.
If this is something you or your partner are dealing with, know that you’re not alone. Keep reading below to learn the basics of this condition, including causes and treatment options.
Causes
There are a wide variety of possible causes of HSDD. Below are some of the most common.
- Relationship issues
- Age
- Big changes in life, such as losing a loved one or having a child
- Outside stress
- Mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety
- Medical diseases such as endometriosis or fibroids
- Societal standards
- Certain medications
- Low testosterone
- Extreme self-consciousness.
- Past influences, such as trauma
- Menopause
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are many treatment options available for women who want to change their low sexual drive. Here are some of the most common:
- Lifestyle changes could be all you need to do. This could mean starting to exercise, working on stress management, cutting out bad habits like smoking, or working with your partner to set aside time for intimacy.
- If you’re dealing with untreated mental or physical disorders (depression, anxiety, chronic pain, etc.), addressing those conditions can often have a positive impact on your sexual drive as well.
- Talk therapy focused on intimacy is also an option. Especially if your partner and you are both struggling with low sexual desire, a therapist is a fantastic resource to lean on to improve your situation together as a couple.
- Medication is also available. Don’t be afraid to discuss the issue with your physician and see if there are any medications that can help. Examples include hormone replacement therapy, natural supplements, vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, an FDA-approved oral medication (Addyi) and a new FDA-approved subcutaneous injection (Vyleesi).
If you are dealing with lack of sexual desire, the experts at Avant Gynecology are here to help. Click here to schedule an appointment with us or give us a call at 404-352-2850.
