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Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Females: Causes and Symptoms
Medically reviewed by
Amy Brodsky
About
Dr. Amy Brodsky is board certified in Dermatology and is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Brodsky completed her undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Illinois, followed by her Medical Degree at The University of Chicago. She won the Women’s Dermatologic Society Fellowship to study clinical trials on Cosmeceuticals, and opened her own practice in 2007, which she subsequently grew to 3 offices and over 50 people. In 2012, Dr. Brodsky founded Sun Hero, a non-profit dedicated to sun protection awareness and in 2021 launched her own skin care line, Derma Made.
Credentials
Medical Advisory Board Member At:
- Nu Image Medical
You’ve probably seen commercials about erectile dysfunctions and male sexual disorders. But as it turns out, men aren’t the only ones dealing with sexual issues. Women are, too. About 10 percent of women suffer from a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
HSDD affects women of all ages and social groups.
But what is hypoactive sexual desire disorder or HSDD? Experts say that HSDD is characterized by an ongoing lack of desire for sex and the absence of sexual thoughts. This physical and mental impairment is most common in women, but some men experience it, too. According to Planned Parenthood, HSDD bothers most women, and is very common. In fact, it is one of the most prevalent sexual problems people experience.
In some women, HSDD is a lifelong problem. For others, it is simply transient lasting for six months or more. Many women mistake HSDD for a sign of aging. Many women, especially those who are married or in long-term relationships, get comfortable and may develop a lowered sex drive. This is typical as women age, but a persistent lack of interest in sex or the absence of fantasies can cause relationship problems.
Some women chalk HSDD up to the natural aging process, which causes bodily changes. According to PubMed, as many as one third of all American women have this disorder, and many of them suffer from emotional distress as a result. To diagnose this disorder, a professional will evaluate the patient and will take into consideration a woman’s circumstances that may affect her sex drive.
Unfortunately, there is no specific test designed to determine whether or not a woman has HSDD. However, your doctor may try a few different strategies to diagnose the condition. Your doctor may ask you some questions about your sex drive. He or she will also ask you how your lack of libido is affecting you both mentally and physically. Before making a diagnosis, your doctor will search for any other conditions that may cause HSDD. These include coronary artery disease, diabetes, arthritis, or low estrogen.
Many other factors contribute to the development of HSDD. These include hormonal contraceptives such as ‘the Pill,’ menstrual cycles, postpartum depression, lactation conditions, and hysterectomy or oophorectomy. Additionally, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are prone to this disorder. This is an especially troubling disorder, especially since sex plays a vital role in healthy relationships.
So, what are the symptoms of HSSD? Symptoms of HSDD include:
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Not desiring to initiate sex
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Avoiding situations that lead to sex
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Avoiding sexual contact
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Lack of pleasure when touched sexually
What Causes HSDD?
There are a number of psychological issues that can lead to the development of HSDD. Women with a history of depression, low self-esteem, or anxiety are prone to develop this condition, regardless of age. A lack of trust with your partner can cause HSDD. For example, you may find it hard to trust your partner, if he or she cheated on you. Another cause of HSDD is not feeling connected to your partner.
For sex to be satisfying, you need to have a certain level of trust in your partner. Poor communication and defensiveness are also causes of this disorder. Having a traumatic sexual experience in your past is another factor that is known to cause HSDD. Traumatic sexual experiences include rape, sexual abuse, and incest. Some religions portray sex in a negative light, making it difficult for some women to enjoy a sexual experience.
Some physical conditions cause HSDD. Erectile dysfunction and painful intercourse can cause HSDD. However, the causes of HSDD are not limited to physical or psychological issues. Body issues, for example, are another cause of HSDD. Women who are under extreme stress or are tired are especially likely to develop this disorder.
Having too many stressors in your life is another contributing factor that can lead to HSDD. Stress can lead you to feel overwhelmed, often taking away feelings of enjoyment that you can get from sex.
Other medical conditions are known to cause HSDD. These include:
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Bladder issues
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Multiple sclerosis
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Menopause
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Pregnancy and delivery
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Breastfeeding
Treatments
But what about treatments for HSDD? What can your doctor do after he or she determines that you have HSDD? According to experts, your doctor may order blood work to rule out any other medical issues that may cause HSDD. There are a number of effective treatments for HSDD. Your doctor may recommend that you try doing Kegel exercises. These increase blood flow and sensation to the vagina.
Talking to your partner about how you like to be pleasured is another good way to treat HSDD. Relaxation plays a key role in sex. If you’re stressed, you’re not going to have a positive sexual experience. Experts also recommend exploring masturbation as a means of finding pleasure and figuring out what feels good for you. Incorporating toys, such as vibrators, will allow you to figure out what you like and how to incorporate that into sexual encounters with your partner.
Another effective treatment for HSDD is reducing your stress levels. Stress increases your heart rate.
Reducing your alcohol intake and quitting smoking are also ways to treat HSDD. In addition to promoting good physical health, reducing your alcohol intake and quitting smoking eases heartburn and indigestion, and causes less fat to build up near the liver.
Cutting down on your alcohol intake promotes good blood sugar levels and lowers your blood pressure. Experts recommend regular exercise to treat HSDD. Reducing stress levels is another way to get your sex life back on track. You can lower your stress levels by getting more sleep, doing breathing exercises, and meditating.
Some people benefit greatly by seeing a counselor that specializes in relationship and sexual issues. While prescription treatments for HSDD are limited, one drug is effective in treating HSDD.
Your doctor may prescribe you a prescription called Flibanserin, which is also known under the brand name of Addyi. Flibanserin is a drug designed to treat premenopausal women who suffer from HSAA. Approved by the FDA in 2015, Flibanserin helps women have more positive sexual thoughts and lessens the anxiety women feel about not desiring sex. Despite its approval to treat HSDD, Flibanserin is only somewhat effective in treating HSDD, according to experts. This drug affects chemicals and neurotransmitters in the brain, while tapping into centers in the brain that control sexual excitement.
According to Sexualhealth.com, HSDD is a manageable condition and is typically receptive to treatment. Of course, it’s important to remember that a woman’s sexual desires and feelings change over time, but a persistent lack of desire is a problem. Some medications that treat mood disorders are also used to treat this condition. If you notice symptoms of this condition, you should contact your doctor and set up an appointment.
You can also get over-the-counter creams to treat this condition. You can purchase an estrogen cream, tablet, or ring. This product is placed into the vagina. This product makes vaginal muscles stronger and stretchier. Additionally, it increases blood flow to the vagina. In addition to that, estrogen products cause the vagina to become more wet, which facilitates better arousal. The end result is a more relaxed and more pleasurable sexual experience.
Some professionals now recommend that women get testosterone treatments for the management of HSDD. Low levels of testosterone in postmenopausal women have been linked to HSDD, and many experts recommend testosterone treatments to help with HSDD. Low testosterone levels lead to fatigue, which often results in a diminished interest in sex.
Studies have found a direct link between testosterone treatments and increased sex drive. In fact, in studies involving placebos, those who received the placebo reported fewer sexual feelings. Experts say that half of all women suffer with some type of sexual dysfunction at one point in their lives.
There are other treatment methods available to women with HSDD. Women may need to make modifications to their lifestyle. Psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and sex therapy are all treatments that can benefit those with HSDD. Therapy should be focused on the patient. However, there are cases where the woman’s partner should be involved.
It is important to first focus on any psychological problems that may be causing this disorder. Being in a troubled relationship can directly cause HSDD. If psychological issues are the cause of a woman’s HSDD, those issues should be addressed first. If your doctor suspects that your HSDD is being caused by a prescription medication, he or she may tell you to discuss this with an internist.
If depression is the cause of HSDD, that should be treated before exploring other possible treatments. The reason for this is that depression is directly linked to sexual dysfunction. Medications such as TCAs, SSRIs,
and SNRIs are known to cause sexual dysfunction. A woman is more likely to develop a sexual dysfunction if she takes a high dose of any of these medications. Antidepressants, in particular, are noted for causing female sexual issues. While HSDD has been reported in men, it is far more common in women.
18 Sources
Nu Image Medical has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.
https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/health-info/conditions/hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12383030/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12383030/
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)30596-1/fulltext
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-libido-5084040
https://www.healthline.com/health/inhibited-sexual-desire#causes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flibanserin
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27858170/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17394595/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8412154/
https://www.smsna.org/patients/conditions/hsdd
https://sassmagazine.com/do-you-have-poor-communication-in-your-relationship-here-are-5-signs/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0201/p182.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/about/pac-20384616
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.