HEALTH : WOMEN'S HEALTH

Sure, we all experience those moments when the thought of getting down and dirty with our partner triggers a wave of sheer exhaustion. As a mother, you have a lot on your plate, and sometimes just don’t have the energy. That doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with your libido! However, if you realize that you are scrimping on sex more and more frequently, you may be suffering from a condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, or HSDD. It is estimated that this disorder affects at least 1 in 10 women at some point in their lives, and can be incredibly damaging to our mental health. Keep reading to learn more.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a type of female sexual dysfunction (FSD), and can impact women of all ages. Unfortunately, the causes of HSDD are not well known or understood. Nearly half of premenopausal women admit that they have suffered from low sexual desire at some point in their lives, and experienced negative emotional distress as a consequence.

Some of the primary characteristics of hypoactive sexual desire disorder include:

The absence of sexual fantasies
No desire for sexual activity, which often results in distress or interpersonal difficulties
Lack of desire that cannot be attributed to any other medical or psychological problems

The effects of HSDD can be particularly debilitating for women. Those who suffer from this condition often experience low self esteem and self confidence, a negative body image, decreased or strained communication with their partner, and a lack of connection with their partner. The longer HSDD goes untreated or unidentified, the more emotional distress it can cause women.

Although the FDA recently approved a drug to enhance women’s sex drive, there are some other options available for women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Many doctors recommend utilizing relaxation techniques to reduce mental issues like stress and depression. Relationship counseling and sex therapy are also incredibly effective methods of treating HSDD. Doctors may also prescribe products like estrogen creams (to eliminate painful intercourse), erectile dysfunction drugs (to increase arousal), testosterone (to boost hormone levels), and an antidepressant called Wellbutrin (which does not lower sex drive like most antidepressants).

Nearly 85 percent of women with HSDD believe that a low sex drive hurts the level of intimacy in their romantic relationships. Don’t let this condition disrupt your love life! Suffering in silence will get you nowhere, so if you believe that you are a victim of HSDD, communicate with your doctor to learn more about your treatment options. For more information, check out our sources: EmpowHER.com, National Women’s Health Resource Center, Shape.com, WebMD.