Sex. Sudden loss of libido: Do ​​you suffer from hypoactive sexual desire disorder?

According to the medical criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), hypoactive sexual desire disorder is characterized by a decrease or absence of sexual desire associated with personal distress or difficulties in the couple's relationship.

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is more common in women, affecting 6 to 13% of them. To identify it, it is first necessary to rule out any other causes that could explain this loss of desire, such as a psychological disorder, illness, or the administration of certain medications.

Indeed, it is important not to confuse this disorder with a temporary lack of desire. To be diagnosed, it must correspond to a lasting absence of desire that causes suffering to the person concerned.

It can be primary, when the person has never felt sexual desire, or secondary, when the desire was present before, but has diminished over time. This disorder can also appear alone or be associated with other sexual disorders (pain during intercourse, lack of arousal, etc.).

For all these reasons, diagnosis remains difficult. Especially since these situations remain largely taboo. To identify it, it's important for the doctor to listen attentively and sympathetically. It's about exploring both the possible causes and the emotional and relational consequences of the disorder. And consulting a doctor is still rare, because many of the people affected—mostly women—don't dare talk about it.

Real life consequences

However, this disorder can significantly impact quality of life, with a loss of self-confidence, a drop in self-esteem, avoidance of the partner - both in sexual relations and in emotional gestures - and a deterioration in communication within the couple.

What treatments are possible?

Treatment options are still limited. The only drug treatment with marketing authorization (MA) in Europe is a testosterone patch (Intrinsa®), which was primarily developed for postmenopausal women who have had their ovaries removed.

But in many cases, treatment involves psychotherapeutic support (in couples therapy or sex therapy) and management of associated disorders (depression, anxiety, pain, etc.).