What is hypoactive sexual desire?

One of the major problems many couples face is the decline in sexual desire. Sooner or later, this happens in a large number of relationships and often causes significant concern for those involved.

As the sexologists who helped us with this article have explained, the absence or decrease of sexual desire accounts for nearly 70% of sexology and couples therapy consultations. This shows that it is one of the issues that concerns couples the most. Usually, the demand tends to come from women, but things are changing, and little by little, men are also beginning to seek help.

What is hypoactive sexual desire disorder?

When we talk about Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, we are referring to issues related to a lack of interest in erotic activity. That means a person may have little interest in engaging in erotic encounters or may have few or no sexual desires. However, as the sexologists point out, they prefer to use the term “dissatisfactions” rather than “disorders.” As they explain, it is not really a disease but rather something caused by a set of conditions that lead a person to lose sexual interest.

When can it be considered dissatisfaction?

The answer really lies with the individual or couple seeking help. A person begins to feel dissatisfied when they start looking for information and asking professionals for support. Some people have a higher threshold, others a lower one. In other words, the disorder can be said to begin when the person affected starts to have doubts.

It is important to understand that each person is different. For that reason, it’s essential not to include in this group people who are unable to take the initiative or have a colder personality in bed. They are often grouped in, but they really shouldn’t be. Moreover, in many cases, the problem can stem from a lack of desire, intimacy, or even seduction. That’s why it is vital to avoid monotony and strive to bring novelty into the couple’s sex life. This helps both partners maintain interest in sex, and as a result, the issue may take longer to appear—if it appears at all.

Main causes of hypoactive sexual desire disorder

It’s important to clarify that erotic desire is always influenced by different factors. This means that certain aspects can reduce that desire and, in turn, put the relationship at risk. Some of the issues that can compromise a couple’s sex life include relationship problems, poor quality of intimacy, unsatisfying sexual encounters, lack of physical affection, pain during intercourse, or even loss of attraction.

Depending on the factors involved, the professional will have to take different steps to help the couple rediscover the pleasure they once shared. That’s why the initial sessions always include an evaluation of the couple, followed by the implementation of strategies that may prove helpful.

Can the prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire be determined?

As mentioned earlier in the article, it has been shown that women tend to be the most affected, although men are gradually being affected as well.

Based on the data provided by professionals in sexology, we can conclude that between 60% and 70% of consultations are related to the topic we are addressing.

Can hypoactive sexual desire disorder affect people at any age?

The answer is yes. It has been proven that dissatisfaction can occur at any age or stage of life. It is true that it tends to be much less common when the couple is young and has just met. That’s because the flame of love is at its peak, which makes the condition less likely.

On the other hand, long-term relationships are more prone to experiencing it. This is due to the fact that monotony starts to take over, and one or even both partners may begin to lose interest for various reasons. Many people seek novelty, and being with the same partner for a long time can trigger the disorder.

How is hypoactive sexual desire disorder treated in a consultation?

When a couple visits a sexologist to try to resolve the problem, they should know that the professional will not always use the same technique.

As an expert in the field, the professional will first study the couple to identify the issues causing the dissatisfaction. The causes are not always the same, which is why an evaluation must come first, followed by the appropriate measures. While the problem can be addressed individually, the best results usually come when it is treated as a couple. It is essential that both partners attend the consultation. This makes it easier to understand both perspectives and identify the real problems.

Once the situation has been analyzed, the sexologist will suggest various alternatives for the couple to try. Usually, the approach involves innovation and new experiences. As mentioned before, many couples face problems due to monotony. Simply breaking out of that routine often brings happiness back and allows them to enjoy their sexuality again.

If you notice that you are experiencing problems related to hypoactive sexual desire disorder, the first thing you should do is talk to your partner. Once the issue is out in the open, try exploring new experiences, positions, and so on. If that’s not enough, then it’s time to see a sexologist who can assess the situation and work on addressing the root causes. In the vast majority of cases, the results are positive.