A look at female sexual arousal disorder, its signs, and treatments
Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD), previously known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is a complex condition affecting a significant number of women worldwide. Characterized by a diminished or absent sexual interest and reduced sexual arousal, FSIAD can cause personal distress.
Common Causes of FSIAD
FSIAD can stem from various factors, both biological and psychological.
Biological Factors
Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, can impact sexual desire and arousal. Decreased estrogen and testosterone levels are known to contribute to this condition. Additionally, certain medications, including antidepressants, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications, may also play a role. Neuropathic or vascular problems associated with conditions like connective tissue disorders may indirectly contribute to FSIAD.
Psychological and Interpersonal Factors
Stress, depression, anxiety, body image concerns, and low self-esteem can all contribute to FSIAD. Past sexual trauma or negative sexual experiences can cause shame, guilt, or fear, leading to a decrease in sexual desire. Relationship issues, such as poor emotional intimacy, lack of communication, and unresolved conflicts around sexual needs, can also exacerbate the condition. Personal or religious beliefs and socialization can impact sexual attitudes, potentially leading to FSIAD.
Situational and Lifestyle Factors
Fatigue, everyday stressors, and changes in privacy, safety, or life circumstances can impact sexual expression, contributing to FSIAD.
Common Treatments for FSIAD
Treating FSIAD requires a holistic approach, addressing biological, psychological, and interpersonal aspects.
Medical and Hormonal Therapies
Hormone replacement therapies can help address estrogen or testosterone deficiency, particularly around menopause. Reviewing and adjusting medications that may contribute to low libido is also essential.
Psychological and Behavioral Interventions
Psychotherapy or counseling can help address psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, past trauma, and relationship issues. Couples therapy can improve communication, intimacy, and resolve sexual conflicts.
Lifestyle Modifications
Stress reduction techniques and improving overall well-being and energy levels can help manage FSIAD symptoms. Education about female sexual anatomy and normalizing variations in sexual response can reduce distress and performance pressure.
Other Supportive Approaches
Use of lubricants or treatments to address vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse can help alleviate FSIAD symptoms. Tailored interventions for underlying conditions like neuropathic or vascular issues may also be beneficial.
In summary, FSIAD is a multifactorial condition requiring individualized evaluation and treatment. Collaboration with healthcare professionals specializing in sexual health can optimize outcomes.
It is important to note that FSIAD is different from asexuality, an umbrella term for sexual orientations that involve varying degrees of sexual and romantic attraction towards others. To be diagnosed with FSIAD, a person must have symptoms for 6 months or more, show significant distress, and have symptoms not explained by other factors.
Quality sex education that normalizes sexual desire and teaches its positive role in a person's well-being can be protective against sexual dysfunction. If a person notices a lower sexual desire than usual or a decrease in response to sexual stimulation, they should seek help from a physician or healthcare professional specializing in sexual function.
Many people with FSIAD may also experience other sexual difficulties, such as pain during sex, general pelvic pain, difficulty reaching orgasm, vaginal dryness, or pain conditions like vaginismus, vulvodynia, or endometriosis. Psychotherapy or sex therapy can help identify factors contributing to FSIAD, teach coping skills, change self-image, challenge beliefs that make someone feel ashamed about sex, communicate more openly with their partner, and resolve past traumas in a safe environment.
Medication options for FSIAD include Vyleesi (bremelanotide) and hormone therapy for low sexual desire in people going through menopause or with hormone imbalances. Personal, cultural, and religious beliefs can contribute to the development of FSIAD. People who adhere to traditional gender roles may feel shame surrounding sex due to beliefs that they should not play an active role or enjoy it. Lack of quality sex education may result in unrealistic ideas about sexual desire and a lack of knowledge about sexual techniques.
Compared to some types of sexual dysfunction in males, such as erectile dysfunction, FSIAD is far less well-known. However, understanding and addressing this condition is crucial for promoting sexual health and well-being in women.
- Biological factors like hormonal changes during menopause, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, decreased estrogen and testosterone levels, certain medications, and neuropathic or vascular problems associated with conditions can impact sexual desire and arousal, contributing to Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (FSIAD).
- Psychological and interpersonal factors such as stress, depression, anxiety, body image concerns, low self-esteem, past sexual trauma, negative sexual experiences, relationship issues, personal or religious beliefs, and socialization can all contribute to FSIAD.
- Common treatments for FSIAD include a holistic approach, addressing biological, psychological, and interpersonal aspects, through medical and hormonal therapies, psychotherapy or counseling, lifestyle modifications, use of lubricants, and tailored interventions for underlying conditions.
- Quality sex education that normalizes sexual desire and teaches its positive role in a person's well-being can be protective against sexual dysfunction, and seeking help from a physician or healthcare professional specializing in sexual function is recommended for those experiencing lower sexual desire or a decrease in response to sexual stimulation.
