Hypoactive Sexual Disorder | Epidemiology, Causes & Management

Hypoactive sexual disorder is a fairly common condition that affects women of all age groups. Unfortunately, the conditions remain undiagnosed or underdiagnosed as sexual interactions are a private matter and a lot of couples are reluctant to discuss bedroom issues with their doctors and caregivers.

According to latest estimates, the prevalence of hypoactive sexual disorder in female population is 36.2%. In other words, 1 in 3 women suffers from lack of sexual fantasies and low sex drive. It is noteworthy that contrary to popular perception, Hypoactive Sexual Disorder is far more common in females as compared to males.

What Are Some Common Causes Of Hypoactive sexual disorder?

Several clinical and psychological factors influence our sexual need and desires. Following are some common causes of hypoactive sexual disorder in women:

• An unhealed scar from a vaginal surgery, injury or infection

• Urinary or fecal incontinence in the midst of sex due to obstetrical or gynecological injuries

• Undiagnosed or underdiagnosed pelvic infections sand disorders such as endometriosis

• Vaginal diseases or pelvic disorders such as tumors or growths

• infection of the vulva

• Androgen or estrogen insufficiency

• Undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes

• Multiple sclerosis

Why Is It Important To Diagnose And Treat Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?

There are several reasons why it is important to identify and manage Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder; some are listed below:

• High risk of complications in untreated cases: Instead of seeking help, most patients make a conscious attempt to satisfy their sexual partner by engaging in hard and baffling sex. Needless to say, that this approach not only affects the mental and physical health of affected person, but can also put a bar on the relationships. Forexample, it has been observed that the female genital tract of women who suffers from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder reacts and resists male penetration by undergoing forceful vaginal contraction (also referred to as vaginismus).
• Misery and uneasiness may also affect sex drive: Long term and poorly managed Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder can lead to low sex drive and lack of interest in maintaining sexual and social relationships. Several clinical and research studies indicate that miserable sexual and romantic relationships can lead to depression, sadness and feeling of despair.

How To Address Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

It is very important to identify the core cause of this condition. If you are experiencing Hypoactive Sexual Disorder due to an illness or disease (such as poorly controlled diabetes), it is highly recommended to see a registered healthcare professional for optimal management.

• In cases where sexual dysfunction is attributed to a history of physical, or sexual abuse; psychotherapy is needed to cope from the trauma and get back to normal sexual life.
• Search for reliable and comprehensive treatment options for endometriosis, depression diabetes, and cardiac sickness.
• Preserve a solid and trusted relationship with your partner with the help of communication and couple counseling.
• More serious cases require pharmacological intervention in the form of drugs like Addyi (or also chemically referred to as flibanserin) are needed in some individuals. This drug is FDA-Cleared and has been associated with great results in individuals who suffers from psychological hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

References

• West, S. L., D’Aloisio, A. A., Agans, R. P., Kalsbeek, W. D., Borisov, N. N., & Thorp, J. M. (2008). Prevalence of low sexual desire and hypoactive sexual desire disorder in a nationally representative sample of US women. Archives of Internal Medicine, 168(13), 1441-1449.
• https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm458734.htm