Low Sex Drive in Women: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a sexual dysfunction that causes low sexual drive in women. It is also known as female sexual interest/arousal disorder. A lot of women pass off the symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire disorder as the inevitable effects of changes in their body or ageing. If your sexual drive is affecting the quality of your life, it is time to speak with your doctor.

Symptoms of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Although it is perfectly normal and healthy for sexual desire to fluctuate, a woman with HSDD will generally experience a lack of sexual interest for six months or more. If the fluctuations in your sexual interests are so extreme that your relationship is being affected, it is perhaps HSDD. Here are the symptoms associated with HSDD:

● Lowered interest in sexual intercourse

● Less to no sexual fantasies or thoughts

● Lowered interest in initiating the sexual activity

● Difficulty getting pleasure from sexual intercourse

● Lack of pleasurable sensations when the genitals are aroused

How Is HSDD Diagnosed?

Unlike other medical complications, there is no particular test to diagnose hypoactive sexual desire disorder. There are several methods that doctors use to diagnose the condition. Start by telling your doctor your symptoms. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding how your low sex drive is affecting your well-being. Your doctor will then try to figure out the underlying cause of the condition. These may be emotional, physical or a combination of both.

1. Emotional Causes Of HSDD

• A history of depression, anxiety or low self-esteem
• A history of sexual abuse or harassment
• Trust issues with your partner

2. Physical Causes Of HSDD

• Coronary artery disease
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Reduced testosterone or estrogen levels
• Exhaustion or fatigue due to work, family or school schedule
• Hormonal changes during or post-pregnancy
• Taking medications that hamper your sexual drive

Your healthcare advisor may also suggest you get a pelvic exam done to find any changes that may affect your sexual desire. A blood test may be conducted to check for affected hormone levels. At times, there is no particular underlying cause for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This does not mean that HSDD cannot be treated.

Types of Treatments for HSDD

There are several treatments for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. In order to find the right treatment, it is important to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms. Your doctor will ask if you are currently on any medications. There are some medicines that can affect your sex drive negatively.

For instance, antidepressants might result in a lowered sex drive. In such cases, doctors usually suggest a prescription with fewer side effects. You must not stop taking antidepressants without consulting your doctor.

If you feel that your emotional issues are the root of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend counselling. A specialist will not only help you to communicate better with your partner but they will also help you identify sexual techniques for a pleasurable experience.

It is a common occurrence in premenopausal and postmenopausal women to experience changes in estrogen levels. This is because of a reduction of blood flow to your genitals.

If your reduced estrogen levels are the cause of your symptoms of HSDD, your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy. Estrogen therapy is a cream, suppository or a ring that releases estrogen in your genitals.

Changes in your lifestyle may also relieve stress and help enhance your libido. Some of them are:

● Working out regularly

● Setting aside time for sexual activities

● Avoiding substances that hamper sexual desire such as alcohol and tobacco

● Sexual experimentation such as role-playing, different positions or sex toys

● Practicing stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation or mindfulness-based intervention

A woman’s sexual health may get affected due to lowered sexual desire. You must not underestimate the effects of a reduced sexual desire can have on your sexual health. If you feel that any symptoms of hypoactive sexual desire disorder have affected your quality of life, consult your doctor or healthcare advisor right away.