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:
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Pain during intercourse
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Inability to achieve orgasm
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Anti-depressant and anti-seizure medications
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Any medical illness (cancer, arthritis etc.)
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Low self-esteem or poor body image
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Past history of sexual abuse
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Relationship issues with partner
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Smoking, alcohol or drug abuse
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Any surgical scar, especially from surgery on breasts or genitals, which may lead to spoiling one’s body image
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Depression or
anxiety