If you’ve had a low libido for more than six months and it’s been bothering you, you may have libido disorder. Learn everything you need to know.
A woman’s libido can fluctuate for a number of reasons, from high stress levels to age-related hormonal changes.
A decrease in sex drive only becomes a problem when it becomes a concern for you or your partner.
Quick FAQ
Sexual desire disorder is a condition where women lack sexual desire for more than six months and it causes distress.
Some of the causes of HSDD include chemical imbalances, side effects of medication, and psychological conditions.
Different treatment options for HSDD include therapy, medication, and Kegel exercises.
It may be that the drop in sexual desire has developed into hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). HSDD is one of the the most common sexual dysfunctions in women and is treatable.
We’ll look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for ADHD so you can take back control of your sex life.
What is Hyperactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
One study reported that nearly 27% of premenopausal women and 52% of postmenopausal women experience low desire and HSDD.
Arousal disorder (HSDD) is medically defined as a lack of sexual thoughts or fantasies and a lack of desire for sexual activity, which causes distress or problems in the relationship.
Pro tip: When it comes to relationships, communication is key, but sex can be a tricky subject. Find out how to talk to your partner about sex from the pros at Promescent.
The clinical level of distress is a key part of the HSDD diagnosis. It can include feelings of sadness, helplessness, loss, sadness and frustration.
For a diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, the sexual dysfunction cannot be attributed to another factor, such as medications or physical or mental problems. And the lack of sexual thoughts or desires must last six months or longer to be considered HSDD.
Causes of HSDD
The causes of libido disorder can have physical or psychological reasons and in some cases both.
- Chemical Imbalance: Researchers have concluded that serotonin hyperactivity may cause HSDD.
- Side effects of medication: Rates of sexual dysfunction have been found to be high with the use of antidepressants (SSRIs)
- Stomach problems: IBD and other stomach-related conditions can cause fatigue and stress, which can lead to HSDD.
- Relationship Issues: The health of a relationship can affect a woman’s sex drive.
- Psychological conditions. Stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and past sexual or physical trauma
- Poor sleep quality. Insomnia or lack of quality sleep it can cause women to have less genital arousal the next day.
- Hormonal imbalance. Low testosterone or thyroid hormone levels and menopause can both cause HSDD in women.
Treatment of hyperactive sexual desire disorder
It is important to take the time to talk to your personal doctor if you suspect you have HSDD.
Together you can develop a treatment plan to relieve the symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire disorder to regain control of your sexual health. Here are some possible treatment options that may be recommended:
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) it has been shown to treat mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and past trauma.
Some women benefit from CBT by learning how to deal with negative thoughts about sex.
Couples dealing with sexual dysfunction find that couples therapy provides ways to work through their problems and regain intimacy and sexual desire.
Women with HSDD benefit from seeing a professional who focuses on sexual therapy. A sex therapist treats this particular dysfunction and can help teach you foreplay and sexual techniques so you can have more satisfying sex.
Medication
In 2015, the FDA approved the drug flibanserin (Addyi) for the treatment of hypokinetic sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women.
Flibanserin is a non-hormonal drug taken daily that helps increase sexual desire and sexual satisfaction.
Some doctors may prescribe other medications off-label to treat HSDD.
- Bupropion – Often prescribed to treat HSDD caused by taking SSRIs. It helps improve orgasm, arousal and overall sexual function.
- Buspirone – Treats anxiety disorders and can help increase sexual interest. It also helps in the hypokinetic sexual desire disorder caused by antidepressants.
- Testosterone. It is sometimes prescribed in perimenopause and postmenopause to balance hormones to improve arousal and libido and to treat sexual discomfort.
- Bremelanotide. Bremelanotide injection is an HSDD treatment used in women who have not gone through menopause and have not experienced sexual dysfunction in the past.
Over-the-counter libido-boosting supplements are available that may treat some HSDD symptoms.
Pro tip: Promescent creates a safe and effective libido support supplement specifically designed for women.
Kegel exercises
Kegel exercises can help increase blood flow to the genital area for better sensation and sexual function.
Your healthcare provider will guide you on how to find the right muscle group and the best way to squeeze and relax the Kegel muscle.
Studies show that three sets of 10 to 15 Kegel exercises a day can pelvic floor strengthening and improve overall sexual health.
Healthy lifestyle
Making simple lifestyle changes can improve overall health by addressing the potential causes of libido disorder.
- Get moving. Aerobic exercises or strength training for 20 or 30 minutes daily will improve endurance, body image, mood and sex drive.
- Sleep properly. Studies show The more you sleep, the more you’ll want sex.
- Release the stress. Everyday stress can cause indifference to sex. Make time for yourself with some yoga or awareness for relaxation.
- Open communication. Sexual dysfunction is not an easy conversation to have with a doctor, let alone your partner. However, it can help open the door to other ways to feel close to each other.
- Stop bad habits. cigarettes and alcohol are bad health habits that reduce sex drive.
- Add some spice to your sex life. Vary and experiment with foreplay, try new sex positions, or add some sex toys to the mix. Get out of your sexual comfort zone.
Hormonal treatments
Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to diagnose hormone imbalances and prescribe hormone therapy.
A doctor may prescribe low-dose testosterone to treat sexual dysfunction.
Packed food
Hyperactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a common sexual dysfunction in women that is treatable. Symptoms include extreme distress about a lack of sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desires.
Sexual dysfunction can be caused by a number of issues such as chemical imbalances, medication side effects and poor sleep quality.
Once a healthcare professional diagnoses HSDD, the treatment plan may include talk therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or hormone therapy.
With your doctor’s help and your partner’s cooperation, you can treat HSDD and get back to a satisfying sex life.
