Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder

Generally, sexual dysfunctions are a group of disorders related to a particular phase of the sexual response cycle. Their source can be psychological, biological or both. The normal ‘sexual response cycle’ is the sequence of emotional and physical changes that occur in a person as a reaction to sexual stimulation and comprises of four steps: Desire, Arousal, Orgasm, and Resolution.

In hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) the first stage, which focuses on patient’s drives and motivations, is affected. Having a decrease or absence of sexual fantasies and/or desires is the most common type of sexual dysfunction in women. Most of the women battling such disease present with lack of desire. However it is imperative to understand that women’s sexual desire has a natural tendency to fluctuate. Pregnancy , breastfeeding, menopause , exhaustion by caring for children or elderly, major life changes and entering or ending a relationship often result in highs and lows.

The pathological causes of a reduced desire for intimacy include:

• Pain during intercourse

• Inability to achieve orgasm

• Anti-depressant and anti-seizure medications

• Any medical illness (cancer, arthritis etc.)

• Low self-esteem or poor body image

• Past history of sexual abuse

• Relationship issues with partner

• Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse

• Any surgical scar, especially from surgery on breasts or genitals, which may lead to spoiling one’s body image

• Depression or anxiety

When to seek expert advise

On the contrary, if your sexual drive is lesser than before, or you do not wish to indulge in intimacy as much as your partner does, it will not always indicate a disorder. Low desire is a subjective factor and there is no standard measurement for it. The vital aspect is that these symptoms bother you. For professional advice, you can consult the Women's Health Care Service Line at the Aga Khan University Hospital, where you can discuss all concerns at ease. ​

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