A person’s sexual desire will naturally fluctuate over the course of their lifetime, increasing in some periods and decreasing in others. However, if an individual finds that they are consistently lacking desire and are generally uninterested in sex, they may have hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
People with HSDD experience little to no sexual desire or sex drive and find that it results in personal or relational distress. If you have a low or absent sex drive and it does not bother you, it is not considered HSDD.
It is important to note that low desire can be related to other medical conditions or changes in a person’s body, such as low testosterone for men or menopause for women. Therefore, it is a good idea to rule out potential medical causes of low desire with a primary care provider in addition to experimenting with options from the following list of ways to enhance your sexual desire.
Address any underlying relationship issues.
Sometimes, a lack of sexual desire stems from a problem in a couple’s relationship that needs to be addressed. If you and your partner are experiencing emotional difficulties, it may benefit your relationship and your sex life to talk about these issues and try to find common ground. If you do not know where to begin, consider involving a counselor, psychologist, or sex therapist to help guide the conversation. A sex therapist may also be able to educate you and your partner on certain therapies or methods that may improve desire such as sensate focus, cognitive behavior therapy, and mindfulness.
Make lifestyle changes if necessary.
Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy diet have been shown to have positive effects on a person’s libido and sexual satisfaction, so making constructive changes in these areas may enhance your desire. Additionally, since stress can be detrimental to desire, finding ways to effectively manage stress (e.g., yoga, meditation, therapy, etc.) may also be beneficial.
Improve your knowledge of sex and explore sexual interests.
Though it may seem dry at first blush, learning more about the body’s sexual anatomy and sexual response cycle may lead to increased desire. In this way, you equip yourself with valuable information about what might be pleasurable and which sexual activities you may enjoy. What’s more, newer models of the sexual response cycle suggest that desire can be responsive, meaning that it can occur after sexual stimulation. With this in mind, you might find it helpful to explore possible sexual interests through masturbation or with a partner to see if the experience prompts desire.
Talk to your health care provider about medications.
Some medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, are known to dampen sexual desire. If you believe that your medications may be negatively impacting your libido, speak to your health care provider about options for modifying the dosage or the type of medication you are taking. There are also medications available for increasing desire, including off-label options, such as estrogen therapy for women, testosterone therapy for men and women, flibanserin, and bremelanotide, among others.
Summary.
There are several ways that a person can enhance their sexual desire. If one approach does not work for you or suit your needs, think about trying another approach or consulting your health care provider about other possible treatment options.
Resources:
Basson, R. (2000). The female sexual response: A different model. Journal of Sex &Marital Therapy, 26(1), 51-65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/009262300278641
Goldstein, I., Kim, N.N., Clayton, A.H., DeRogatis, L.R., Giraldi, A., Parish, S.J., Pfaus, J., Simon, J.A., Kingsberg, S.A., Meston, C., Stahl, S.M., Wallen, K., & Worsley, R. (2017, January). Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) expert consensus panel review. In Mayo clinic proceedings (Vol. 92, No. 1, pp. 114-128). Elsevier. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.09.018
Planned Parenthood. (n.d.). Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sexual-dysfunction/hypoactive-sexual-desire-disorder-hsdd
Sexual Medicine Society of North America. (n.d.). Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). Retrieved May 26, 2022, from https://www.smsna.org/patients/conditions/hsdd
You may also be interested in...
Did You Know?
How Might My Sexual Health Change After Becoming Sober?
April 2, 2024Blog
Is It “Normal” for Libido to Vary Over Time?
March 26, 2024SMSNA Patients
Using the “Good Enough Sex” Model to Treat Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder
March 5, 2024Blog
HSDD: I Have No Sexual Desire, What Can I Do About It?
September 26, 2023SMSNA
Defining and Diagnosing Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder
August 14, 2023SMSNA Patients
Does the Menstrual Cycle Impact Sexual Desire?
July 25, 2023SMSNA Patients
Female Reddit Users Describe Their Experiences With Low Libido
April 18, 2023Did You Know?
The Effects of Nursing on a New Mother’s Sexuality
May 2, 2023Did You Know?
How and Why a Woman’s Libido Shifts During Pregnancy
March 23, 2023Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
