Low Sexual Desire
Hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) or
low sexual desire is a common sexual difficulty. Although it can
be experienced by both men and women, it seems to be much more prevalent
among women. Having low sex desire means that the individual lacks
interest in sex, even though they get aroused and may have orgasms
when they do have sex. Low sexual desire can range from mild to
extreme. In mild cases a person may go through periods of not thinking
about or wanting sex. Others will not hunger for sex, but enjoy
it when it does happen. In extreme cases, people do desire sex and
may become anxious when presented with the possibility that sex
may occur. Life long HSD is rare, but some people never show interest in masturbation, sexual fantasies or any sexual aspects of sexual relationships.
No matter what level of low sexual desire a person
experiences, it only becomes a problem when individual or the couple
begins to find it problematic. For some couples it may be all right
that one partner that is not very interested in sex for that relationship,
while another couple might find this a serious problem. There are
many ways to try to increase sexual desire in a relationship so
that this problem does not cause conflict in a relationship (see
treatment section below).
Low sexual desire has many possible causes that include:
- Age: As an individual ages many
changes occur in the body that affects sexual desire.
- Menopause: In women, the changes of aging start when she is beginning menopause, which is the cessation of ovulation.
Her changes include decreased lubrication, lower
estrogen levels (the female sex hormone), lower testosterone levels
(the hormone believed to be responsible for female sexual arousal),
and many other changes in the sexual response cycle.
- Hormone deficiency: Decreased
amounts of testosterone in the body are liked with declines in
sexual desire for both men and women.
- Gender: Although men and women
may experience low sexual desire, it is much more prevalent among
women.
- Bad experience with sex: Low sexual
desire can result from having painful intercourse (dysparenunia),
aversive events in childhood, or unusually high levels of inhibition.
For instance, people who were sexually abused in childhood or view sex as a sin often do not have very much sexual desire.
- Depression: People who suffer
from depression usually have a general decrease in mood, which
tends to decrease their sexual motivations and activity.
- Anxiety & stress: If the individual
suffers from either of these conditions, it may cause temporary
to more long-term decrease in sex drive, depending on the amount
of stress or anxiety being experienced.
- Medicinal or psychoactive drug dependence:
Certain medications, especially psychoactive drugs (for instance
those used to treat depression), may affect sexual desire. For
individuals who use these types of medications, decreased sexual
desire is a common side-effect.
- Habituation to one's partner:
When a person becomes used to and comfortable being around his
or her partner, sexual interest may decline.
- Relationship problems: Very commonly Very commonly HSD stems from problems that have not been resolved in the relationship. This is especially true for women: If they are not happy with their relationship, they tend not to want to be sexual until all conflicts are resolved.
Symptoms and Signs
- Individual is not interested in sexual
activity.
- Decreased frequency in sexual activity.
- Decreased frequency in sexual activity
becomes a problem in the relationship and causes conflict.
- Apathetic feelings during sex, despite
attempting to please his/her partner.
- Habituation to his/her partner and decreased
desire is evident only in association with him/her.
- There may also be selective desire deficiencies,
in that the individual may respond physically, but be disinterested
mentally.
- No interest in pursuing sexual interaction.
- Physical signs may include: vaginal dryness, weakened erections, decreased genital sensation, difficulty achieving orgasm, genital pain with or without sexual contact, or lack of sexual interest.
Depending on the causes of low sexual drive, different therapies will apply. Both partners are encouraged to explore more exciting forms of sexual play and genital stimulation. Treatment is also aimed at relieving the tension between partners, removing stressful factors, or changing medications. The couple should make sure that they work through any relationship problems. Making sure there is effective communication in the relationship may solve part of the problem. Other treatments are the use of sensate focus, masturbation, and sometimes Kegel exercises are recommended.
One of the most basic therapies used to help the partner who is experiencing the low sex drive is to encourage sexual self-exploration. That person is instructed to follow the seven-step model illustrated below in privacy with soothing music playing in the background. Since women are more likely than men to have low sexual desire, the seven steps are discussed from a female perspective.
- Look at her own body (in private, perhaps after bathing)
- Feel her body
- Touch parts that feel arousing
- Try to get sexually aroused
- Extended masturbation until orgasm
- Male watches her masturbate
- Male imitates her techniques
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (1994), written by the American Psychiatric Association, Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is defined by three criteria:
- "Persistently or recurrently deficient
(or absent) sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. The
judgment of deficiency or absence is made by the clinician, taking
into account factors that affect sexual functioning, such as age
and the context of the person's life."
- "The disturbance causes marked distress
or interpersonal difficulty."
- "The sexual dysfunction is not better
accounted for by another Axis I disorder (except another sexual
dysfunction) and is not due exclusively to the direct psychological
effects of a substance (e.g., a drug abuse, medication) or a general
medical condition."
- On July 27, 2000 in Cleveland Ohio, a study presented at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting stated that bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets, a common treatment for depression, are reportedly effective in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Almost one-third of females treated with these tablets reported increases in the number of episodes of sexual arousal, sexual fantasy, and interest in engaging in sexual activity. Response was seen as early as two weeks with treatment. Reported side effects of the drug include insomnia, tremor, rash, hives, and urticaria. Further research is needed. For more information on this topic, visit http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1db2e2.htm
- A non-pharmaceutical option has also
been given to women suffering from any type of Female Sexual Dysfunction
(FSD). One current device being investigated is the clitoral therapy
device called the EROS-CTD. The device works by creating a gentle
suction over the clitoris and surrounding tissue, with the goal
of increasing blood flow to that area. It is supposed to enhance
sensation and lubrication, and, eventually, increased overall
clitoral blood flow over time. For more information on this product
and the results of studies done, please visit hisandherhealth.com
- A newly discovered human pheromone seems
to encourage recovery from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in
adult females. It appears to increase libido, but currently there
is no proof of this assertion. Due to the limited supply and difficulty
in obtaining sufficient quantities, the cost is $2500.00 per person
(two or three doses taken orally on chewing gum). Significant
risks include spousal/lover jealousy and inconvenient sexual arousal.
This pheromone is still being researched. For more information
on this topic, visit http://members.tripod.com/HSDD_cure/
How Can You Determine If You Have HSDD?
- Are there any emotional or relationship
variables that may be contributing to your problem? Talk to your
partner or a counselor if this is the case. Resolving these problems
and having better communication with your partner may alleviate
the problem.
- Find out if there are any medications
that may be contributing to your problem. There are many medications
that decrease libido, so ask your doctor to see if this may be
a factor.
- If your problem is not traced to the
first two causes, there are other possibilities. HSDD is sometimes
caused by hormonal factors, especially low testosterone. Your
doctor can evaluate this with a simple blood test. If this is
the problem, your doctor may be able to help you by administering
replacement hormones.
- Finally, your low sexual response may be due to pain, dryness, and lack of response or arousal. You should consider seeking professional care from a physician or sexual therapist.
- According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 43% of women suffer from some kind of sexual problem or another.
- In a recent survey conducted by Laumann
and colleagues at the University of Chicago, 33.4% of American
women ages 18-59 reported that HSDD was their most common sexual
problem.
- Many commonly prescribed medicines can cause a variety of sexual problems such as href="http://www.soc.ucsb.edu/sexinfo/?article=zUQr">dryness, low arousal, vaginal itching, and orgasmic disorder. Ask your doctor if any of the drugs you take could have side effects in your sex life.
- Problems related to the production of the hormones estrogen and testosterone can lead to sexual dysfunction. Because of the way hormones are released or suppressed, your sex life can be affected by menopause, endocrine disorders, pregnancy and postpartum deficiencies, endometriosis, diabetes, or fibroid tumors
If you believe you are suffering
from this disorder, or any sexual dysfunction, please contact your
physician. For tips on how to talk to your doctor about Sexual Dysfunction,
please visit www.newshe.com
or the www.forwomenonly.com