Female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

If low sexual desire is seen as a large enough problem, the American Psychological Association recognizes low sexual desire as a sexual disorder, in this case, hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

What is it?
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:

1. "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."
2. "The disturbance causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty."
3. "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."

Alternative treatments

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Facts about Hypoactive Sexual Disorder

• 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 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

© - Reproduced with permission of SexInfo, University of California at Santa Barbara, 2007.