What Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a sexual dysfunction that causes a person to lose interest and desire in sex and sexual activities. The lack of interest in sex and sexual activities should last for an extended period in order for it to be diagnosed as HSDD.
While this condition can affect anyone, it predominantly affects women. A person with HSDD will typically not respond to sexual stimulation or have sexual fantasies or thoughts. HSDD is a lot more prevalent than people know. It’s one of the most common conditions that affect women today.
HSDD is sometimes confused with having a low libido, but these are two different things. Simply experiencing reduced sexual desire doesn’t mean that you have HSDD.
Sexual desire is complicated, and throughout your life, your desire for sex will ebb and flow.
However, some of the most common culprits that have been identified over the years include:
- Menopause: Menopause causes fluctuation in your reproductive hormones. These hormones are responsible for your sexual desire, and when they are out of whack, this could cause a dip in your sexual desire.
- Stress: Being stressed negatively affects all areas of your life include your sexual drive.
- Anxiety: People with anxiety or anxiety disorders sometimes experience sexual dysfunction like HSDD.
- Sexual abuse: People who have been sexually abused tend to struggle with being sexually active and, in some instances, develop sexual disorders.
- Hormonal imbalance: You might experience low sexual drive when your hormones are imbalanced.
- Certain medications: Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some oral contraceptives could cause HSDD.
- Other underlying medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, depression, and heart disease could cause HSDD.