Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is a chronic sexual dysfunction in which the individual exhibits a constant pattern of sexual aversion and refrains from indulging in any form of sexual activity. This disorder can affect men as well as women and can be extremely debilitating for both partners leading to conflicts at personal and emotional levels. This disorder is not caused by any other psychological disorder, medical condition such as infection, injury or intake of drugs or alcohol.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder can be a general lack of sexual desire or the inability to get turned on, it can be situation i.e. it can occur in specific situations or with a particular sexual partner and it may be acquired, wherein the individual’s sexual functioning was normal in the past but suddenly becomes dysfunctional. This disorder is also known as sexual aversion, sexual apathy or sexual anorexia. It is estimated that almost 2- percent of women in the United States are affected by this disorder.

Causes of Hypoactive sexual desire disorder:

This disorder can develop as a primary condition in which the individual shows a general lack of sexual excitation. It can also be a secondary condition wherein the individual previously has sexual interest but shows severe disinclination towards sexual activities all of a sudden. This can be the outcome of sexual abuse, rape or incest or certain repressive family attitudes towards sex that force the individual to think of sex as an immoral activity.

HSDD can also be acquired in which the individual experiences boredom or stagnation in the relationship with one sexual partner.

Depression, anxiety and stress can also contribute to the development of this disorder.

Intake of medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, high blood pressure medications or birth control pills can also lead t the development of the disorder.

Painful intercourse due to surgery, injury or infection may also cause sexual aversion.

Inadequate lubrication at the time of penetration resulting from insufficient foreplay is another contributing factor.

Priapism or the occurrence of a constant erection for more than four hors may lead to pain causing deviation from sexual activity.

In compatibility between the partners related to sexual interest may lead to the development of this disorder.

When either of the partners is sexually demanding or if one of the partners does not like the physicality of the other he/she might develop the disorder.

Treatment:

Treatment of this disorder is provided by administering drugs as well as therapy.