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Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Care

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder — also called HSDD — is when you have a vagina and you’re not interested in sex, have no sex drive, or a low sex drive, and it bothers you. It’s one of the most common sexual problems that people have, and the good news is it’s treatable. If you want help treating your loss of sex drive, have a partner with HSDD, are curious about medications like the little pink pill (Addyi,) and more, we’re here to help.

If you're an existing patient of ours, you can book your appointment through MyChart.

What is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)?

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is when you’re not interested in sex (have no sex drive or a low sex drive,) it bothers you, and you have a vagina.

People who have HSDD have little or no thoughts or fantasies about sex, don’t respond to their partner’s sexual signals or suggestions, lose desire for sex while having it, or avoid sex altogether.

This could be a lifelong concern, or it can happen over time. It also may be a problem all of the time or only happen in certain situations.

What causes HSDD? 

HSDD may be caused by things like:  

  • Menopause 

  • Recently being pregnant, giving birth, or breastfeeding 

  • Low sex hormone levels 

  • Health problems like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, multiple sclerosis, or bladder problems 

  • Medicines like antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, chemotherapy, and types of hormonal therapy  

  • Anxiety or depression 

  • Relationship problems 

  • Issues with your body image 

  • Stress 

  • Tiredness 

  • Sexual abuse or trauma in your past

Symptoms can include:

  • Avoiding or not wanting to have sex  

  • Never thinking about or fantasizing about having sex 

  • Experiencing consistent loss of libido and sex drive after the start of sex or during sex 

  • Experiencing inconsistent libido or occasional loss of sex drive 

What are the treatments for HSDD?
 

If your provider thinks you have HSDD and you’re eligible for treatment, treatment options could include:

If you’re pre-menopausal:
  • Flibanserin (Addyi) — Also known as the little pink pill; a pill you take once a day to increase sexual desire
  • Bremelanotide (Vyleesi ) — An injection you administer to yourself 45 minutes prior to sex each time you have sex and lasts about 12 to 16 hours
If you’re going through menopause:
  • Estrogen — A ring, cream, or tablet that you put in your vagina. This can make the muscles in your vagina stronger and more flexible, which will increase blood flow and natural lubrication.
If you’re post-menopausal:
  • Testosterone therapy - Including testosterone gel that you put on your calf (available via telehealth only).

The Little Pink Pill

Medication for HSDD

There are several medication options for HSDD, including Addyi – also known as the little pink pill.

Taken 45 minutes before sex, Addyi works by changing the balance of certain brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which rule over your libido. Once those neurotransmitters are unblocked, your libido can start ramping up again.

Contact one of our HSDD experts today to learn more about the little pink pill and other medications you can take for HSDD.

Is there anything I can do to help my or my partner’s HSDD?

Because it’s difficult to treat HSDD on your own, the best thing you can do for HSDD is to see a health care provider that can help you pinpoint any underlying causes that might be causing your symptoms.

In addition to seeking medical treatment for HSDD, the following lifestyle choices may help improve the symptoms of HSDD:

  • Reducing stress to improve your mood through things like getting more sleep, meditation, and breathing exercises
  • Limiting alcohol and stopping smoking and using drugs
  • Exercising regularly
  • Talking with a counselor who specializes in sex and relationship problems

You or your partner can also try:

  • Kegel exercises - these can increase blood flow and feeling to your genitals
  • Talking with your partner about your likes and dislikes sexually
  • Exploring porn (movies, magazines, websites, or other entertainment) that brings you sexual pleasure
  • Masturbating, possibly with vibrators or other sex toys if that feels good
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