Hypoactive sexual desire - meaning and definition
AlsoHSDDhypoactive sexual desire disorderlow sexual desireno sex drivelack of desireloss of libido
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Hypoactive sexual desire (HSDD) is a clinical term for a persistent lack of sexual thoughts or interest in sex that causes the person significant distress.
At a glance
- HSDD is a clinical term for a persistent lack of sexual thoughts or interest that causes significant distress.
- Someone with little interest in sex who is content with that does not have a disorder.
- Asexuality is a valid orientation, not a medical condition.
- Contributors can include hormones, medications, depression, chronic illness, fatigue and relationships.
- Treatment may involve therapy, changes to medication or, in some cases, medical treatment.
In detail
The distress element matters: a person who has little interest in sex and is content with that does not have a disorder, and asexuality is a valid orientation rather than a medical condition. HSDD describes a change or lack of desire that someone is unhappy about.
Possible contributors include hormonal changes, medications such as some antidepressants, depression, chronic illness, fatigue, relationship difficulties and past experiences. Assessment usually looks at all of these, and treatment may involve therapy, changes to medication, or in some cases medical treatment.
In a sentence
- Her doctor explained that HSDD is only diagnosed when low desire causes distress.
- The clinician was careful to distinguish HSDD from asexuality.
Where the word comes from
Hypoactive means less active than usual. In the DSM-5 psychiatric manual (2013), the diagnosis for women was merged into female sexual interest/arousal disorder, while male hypoactive sexual desire disorder remained a separate diagnosis.
Not to be confused with
- Asexual
Asexuality is an orientation and involves no distress about lack of sexual attraction.
- Desire discrepancy
Desire discrepancy is a difference in desire between partners, not necessarily low desire in one.
Common questions
Is HSDD the same as asexuality?
No. Asexuality is a valid sexual orientation, not a medical condition. HSDD describes a change in or lack of desire that the person is unhappy about. Someone with little interest in sex who is content with that does not have a disorder.
What can help with HSDD?
Assessment usually looks at hormones, medications such as some antidepressants, mood, health, fatigue, relationships and past experiences. Depending on the causes, treatment may involve therapy, changes to medication or in some cases medical treatment. A doctor or sex therapist is a good place to start.
Related terms
Sources
- ACOGFemale Sexual Dysfunction
- MedlinePlusSexual Problems in Women