Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder- It’s a Real Thing

According to statistics, about 1 in 10 women suffer from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), a condition characterized by low sexual desire. While there is no “cure” for HSDD, there are treatments that can help improve a woman’s sexual functioning and quality of life.

The most common treatment for HSDD is therapy, which can help address underlying psychological issues contributing to low sexual desire. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to improve sexual functioning.

Several surgical options can be considered for women who do not respond to therapy or medication. These include:

• Ovarian stimulation: This procedure involves taking medication to stimulate the ovaries, which can increase sexual desire by increasing levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
• Ovarian drilling: This surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the ovaries to improve blood flow and hormone production.
• Uterine artery embolization: This minimally invasive procedure cuts off the blood supply to the uterus, which can reduce or eliminate uterine Fibroids, a common cause of low sexual desire.
• Vaginal rejuvenation: This surgical procedure tightens and restructures the vaginal walls, which can improve sexual sensation and arousal.
• Clitoral unhooding: This surgical procedure exposes the clitoris, which can improve sexual sensation and arousal.
• Labiaplasty: This surgical procedure reduces the size of the labia, which can improve comfort during sex and increase sexual satisfaction.

While several options are available to women with HSDD, discussing the risks and benefits with a qualified medical professional is essential before proceeding with any treatment. Remember that Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder should not be confused with Sexual Arousal Disorder, a different condition that can also be treated surgically.

If you think you may suffer from HSDD, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or a qualified mental health professional for help. With the right treatment, you can improve your sexual functioning and quality of life.

Which Medications Are Safe To Take For HSDD

The first step in overcoming HSDD is identifying the root cause of your low libido. Once you know what’s causing your HSDD, you and your doctor can work on a treatment plan that’s right for you. If your HSDD is due to a medical condition, treating that condition may be all you need to do to increase your sex drive.

Your doctor may also recommend making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise or improving your diet. Medication may be an option if lifestyle changes and other treatments don’t help.

Several types of medications have been shown to be effective in treating HSDD in women. These include:

• Estrogen therapy

Estrogen is a hormone that helps to regulate sexual function in women. You may be estrogen deficient if you’re going through menopause or have had your ovaries removed. 

Estrogen therapy can be taken as a pill, skin patch, gel, cream, or vaginal ring.

• Testosterone therapy

Testosterone is an essential hormone for sexual desire in both men and women. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone levels typically decline with age. 

Testosterone therapy may be an option if you have low levels of this hormone and HSDD. Testosterone therapy can be given as a shot, skin gel, tablet, or implantable pellet.

• Flibanserin (Addyi)

This is the only FDA-approved medication for HSDD. It’s a daily pill that you take by mouth. Flibanserin can cause low blood pressure and fainting, so you shouldn’t drink alcohol or take certain other medications while taking it. 

You also shouldn’t take this medication if you have liver problems.

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

This antidepressant has increased sexual desire in some women with HSDD. Bupropion can cause seizures, so it’s not recommended for people with a history of seizures. It can also cause bipolar disorder.

• Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

These antidepressants have also been shown to help some women with HSDD. Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, and nausea.

While these medications may effectively treat HSDD, they’re not without risks. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking any medication for HSDD.

What Are The Risk Of Taking Medications For HSDD

There are several potential risks associated with taking medications for HSDD. These include:

• Low blood pressure and fainting. Flibanserin can cause low blood pressure and fainting. You should avoid drinking alcohol or taking certain other medications while taking this medication.
• Liver problems. Flibanserin can cause liver problems. You should not take this medication if you have liver problems.
• Seizures. Bupropion can cause seizures, so it’s not recommended for people with a history of seizures.
• Bipolar disorder. Bupropion can also cause bipolar disorder.
• Dry mouth, insomnia, and nausea. These are common side effects of SNRIs.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks of taking any medication for HSDD.

What Are The Other Treatment Options For HSDD

If you’re not interested in taking medication for HSDD, other treatment options are available. These include:

• Lifestyle changes. Making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise or improving your diet, may help to increase your sex drive.
• Therapy. Talking with a therapist or counselor about your HSDD may help. They can help you identify any underlying issues contributing to your low libido.
• Sex therapy. Sex therapy is a type of counseling that focuses on sexual issues. A sex therapist can help you and your partner identify problems impacting your sex life. They can also provide tips and techniques to help improve your sexual relationship.

While several treatment options are available for HSDD, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Some may not feel a single medication or therapy is enough to help them; in this case, a combination of treatments may be necessary. 

It’s important to talk to your doctor about your options to make an informed decision about what’s best for you.