06/07/2025
Hypoactive S*xual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a medical condition characterized by a persistent or recurrent lack of s*xual desire that causes personal distress or problems in relationships.
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🔍 Definition (Simplified)
HSDD is when a person experiences little or no interest in s*xual activity, and this lack of desire is distressing to them or causes issues in their relationship.
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🧠 Key Features
Low or absent s*xual thoughts or fantasies
No interest in initiating or responding to s*xual activity
The lack of desire is not due to other medical or psychological issues, such as depression, medication side effects, or hormonal problems
The person feels distressed by this lack of interest (this part is important)
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👩⚕️ Who Does It Affect?
More commonly diagnosed in women, but it can also affect men
The term HSDD is often used in women's s*xual health, while similar symptoms in men are sometimes classified under male hypoactive s*xual desire disorder
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🧬 Possible Causes
Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, low testosterone)
Relationship problems
Stress, anxiety, or depression
Past trauma or abuse
Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants)
Medical conditions (e.g., chronic illness, fatigue)
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📋 Diagnosis
A doctor (usually a gynecologist, urologist, or s*x therapist) may:
Review medical history
Ask questions about s*xual activity and desire
Rule out other causes (hormones, medications, mental health)
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💊 Treatment Options
Depending on the cause, treatments may include:
Therapy or counseling (individual or couples)
S*x therapy
Medication:
Flibanserin (Addyi) – FDA-approved for HSDD in premenopausal women
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) – another option for women
Hormone therapy (e.g., testosterone or estrogen in certain cases)
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❗ Important Note
Low s*xual desire is only considered a disorder if:
It's ongoing (usually for at least 6 months)
It causes significant distress or interpersonal difficulties
If someone is fine with having low s*xual desire and it doesn’t cause problems, it’s not considered HSDD.
AFYA YAKO