Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)
Hypoactive
sexual desire disorder (HSDD) refers to a woman's chronic or ongoing lack of
interest in sex, to the point that it causes her personal distress or problems
in her relationships.
It's
normal for women to lose interest in sex from time to time. A woman's libido
can fluctuate throughout her life. It might be high when she's feeling good
about her relationship or if she's excited about a new one. It might decrease
when she's under emotional stress or dealing with hormonal changes from
pregnancy or menopause.
The
important distinction with HSDD is that it causes personal distress. If a woman
does not feel concerned about her sex drive, then she probably doesn’t have
HSDD. She might have a lower libido than other women, but if she’s not bothered
by it, then there generally isn't a problem.
According
to the Society for Women’s Health Research, HSDD is the most common female
sexual dysfunction and affects about 1 in 10 women. It can happen at any age.
The Mayo Clinic notes that as many as 40% of women have HSDD at some point in
their lives, according to some studies. 5% to 15% of women have the problem
continuously.
HSDD
can be frustrating for a woman and her partner. But it's a treatable condition.
Even though it might take some time to discover what’s causing it, a woman with
HSDD can return to a satisfying sex life.
Conditions - HSDD
HSDD
is a complicated disorder with a number of possible causes. Sometimes, several
underlying conditions contribute to HSDD all at once. There can be physical
causes, such as hormonal fluctuations or surgery that changes a woman’s body
image. There can also be psychological and emotional causes. Many women
associate a positive emotional connection with their partner with pleasurable
sex, so negative changes in a relationship can trigger a lack of interest.
Physical Conditions
Many
illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and coronary artery disease,
can weaken a woman’s sex drive. Similarly, many medications, like those taken
for depression and high blood pressure, can decrease her libido. Even fatigue
can take its toll. A woman may just be too exhausted to want sex.
Women
may experience lower sex drive during menopause, when levels of oestrogen – a
hormone that boosts libido – fall substantially. Women can also see
testosterone levels drop during menopause. Testosterone is usually associated
with a man’s sex drive, but it affects women, too.
Also,
hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can make a woman less interested in
sex.
Psychological and Emotional Conditions
A
number of psychological and emotional factors can affect a woman’s sex drive.
She may have anxiety, depression, or poor self-esteem. She might be under a lot
of stress. Or, she might be a victim of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or rape.
Problems
in her relationship can also be a factor. If her partner has been unfaithful or
deceitful, her lack of trust may make her less interested in sex. Low sex drive
might result if she and her partner don’t communicate well or haven’t resolved
a fight. She and her partner might not have satisfactory sex to begin with
because they don’t talk about their needs or what they like in bed. They might
not know how to talk about it or are too embarrassed to do so. That can fuel
low libido, too.
Diagnosing HSDD
The
main symptom of HSDD is a lack of interest in sex. But because every woman is
different, there is no official threshold or diagnostic test that tells whether
a woman has HSDD or not. Rather, diagnosis depends on how distressed she is
about her low sex drive and whether it’s causing any problems for her.
However,
if a woman does express concerns about low libido, doctors will usually try to
pinpoint any underlying causes. They often start by looking for related
physical causes and do a complete medical workup, including a medical history,
screening tests, and pelvic exam.
Doctors
might also refer women to a counsellor or sex therapist to see whether there
are emotional or relationship issues that need attention.
Treating HSDD
There
are many ways to treat HSDD. Just as a combination of factors can cause the
disorder, a combination of treatments can be beneficial.
Treatments
for the physical causes depend on the individual. For example, changes in
medication or diabetes control may be in order. A woman might need to make some
lifestyle changes to combat stress and fatigue.
Some
women also benefit from counseling or sex therapy. Specialists can help them
cope with any past sexual trauma. They can help women improve their self-esteem
and understand their relationships with their partners. Women can learn how to
talk about sex with confidence and express their needs and concerns to their
partners. They might also introduce ways to make intimacy a bigger priority –
and more interesting.
Understanding HSDD
Did
you know that hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) affects about 1 in 10
women?
It’s
the most common of female sexual dysfunctions, but it’s under diagnosed and
undertreated. Many practitioners aren’t
sure of how to approach it with their patients.
Some clinicians feel uncomfortable discussing sex. Others feel that they don’t have the
expertise to handle HSDD complaints or that discussing sexual health will take
up too much time during the office visit.
However,
sexual health is important to overall general health. And because HSDD can have medical and
psychological implications, it’s best to keep it in mind when assessing your
female patients or clients.
What is HSDD?
HSDD
is a decrease or absence of sexual desire that causes a woman personal
distress. The “personal distress” aspect
is critical. Sexual desire varies from
woman to woman. What might seem “normal” for one may not be “normal” for another. If a woman is not bothered by her level of
desire, then she probably does not have HSDD.
HSDD
is classified as generalized or situational.
In generalized cases, a woman lacks desire in most sexual
circumstances. When HSDD is situational,
it only happens at certain times.
HSDD
can also be classified as acquired or lifelong.
Acquired HSDD happens after a woman has had normal functioning for some
time.
There
are many possible causes for HSDD.
Common physical ones include diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary
artery disease. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can affect sex
drive. And hormonal changes from
pregnancy or menopause can play a role.
Psychological
issues like stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sexual abuse are
other causes. A woman might also lose
her desire for sex if there are problems with her partner or relationship.
Often,
there is a combination of causes at work.
For example, a new mother might lose interest in sex because of hormonal
changes and because she’s exhausted from caring for a newborn baby.
HSDD
can lead to, or worsen, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and problems with
relationships.
Patient/Provider
Communication
Why is HSDD under diagnosed and
undertreated?
The
problem may be communication – or lack of it.
Many healthcare providers don’t bring up the subject of sex. It’s awkward sometimes. There are cultural taboos. Taking a sexual history may not be part of
the everyday routine. Some providers are
afraid of offending their patients. Or
they might not feel confident in their abilities to handle sexual health
issues.
Unfortunately,
female patients are often just as – or even more – reluctant to bring up the
subject. Many women are brought up to
believe that “nice girls” aren’t supposed to want to have sex or that their
sexual needs aren’t important. Some believe,
or fear, that it’s all in their heads.
Also,
many women simply don’t know about HSDD and that it’s a treatable
condition. A recent survey conducted by
the Society for Women’s Health Research showed that women were 7 times more
familiar with erectile dysfunction in men (ED) than with HSDD. 66% of the women surveyed knew about ED, but
only 9% knew about HSDD.
But
remember, you and your patient are a team.
Your goal is to improve overall health and addressing sexual health
concerns, when appropriate, is part of that goal.
So how can you approach the topic?
Establish
rapport with your patient. Help her
understand the importance of sexual health and that it’s okay to discuss sexual
matters.
For
diagnosing HSDD, the Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) is a helpful
tool. The DSDS is a five-point
questionnaire that a woman can easily fill out during her office visit (click
here to see the questions). Provided
instructions guide the practitioner in clarifying and evaluating the patient’s
answers to determine if she does have HSDD.
After
diagnosis, you can decide what next steps might be appropriate for your
patient. She may need to be screened for
certain illnesses, have her hormone levels checked, or have medications
changed.
She
may also need a referral to a specialist, such as a sex therapist or counsellor,
to help her work through any psychological or relationship issues.
Whom to contact for Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) Treatment
Dr.Senthil Kumar Treats many cases of Hypoactive sexual desire
disorder (HSDD), In his medical professional experience with
successful results. Many patients get relief after taking treatment from
Dr.Senthil Kumar. Dr.Senthil Kumar visits Chennai at Vivekanantha
Homeopathy Clinic, Velachery, Chennai 42. To get appointment please call
9786901830, +91 94430 54168 or mail to consult.ur.dr@gmail.com,
For more details & Consultation Feel free to contact us.
Vivekanantha Clinic Consultation Champers at
Chennai:-
9786901830
Panruti:-
9443054168
Pondicherry:-
9865212055 (Camp)
Mail : consult.ur.dr@gmail.com, homoeokumar@gmail.com
For appointment please Call us or Mail Us
For appointment: SMS your
Name -Age – Mobile Number - Problem in Single word - date and day - Place of
appointment (Eg: Rajini – 30 - 99xxxxxxx0 – Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)– 21st Oct, Sunday - Chennai ), You will receive
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