low sexual desire


HealthyWomen content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.


Nationally, there is an important dialogue taking place regarding female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and whether it is a legitimate medical condition that requires treatment. HealthyWomen, based on the data that is currently available, believes that FSDs are real disorders that affect millions of women in the United States.

A recent HealthyWomen survey (supported by Palatin Technologies, makers of the investigational therapy bremelanotide), revealed that as many as 6 in 10 premenopausal women who are experiencing low desire are distressed by it. Additionally, some 40 percent of women polled blame themselves for their low desire. Clearly, more awareness and education are needed around this topic.

Low sexual desire—known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD)—is the most common form of FSD. Some of the HSDD symptoms include: lack of sexual thoughts, lack of desire that cannot be attributed to any other medical or psychological problems. The key criteria of the disorder is that it causes personal distress.

According to the HealthyWomen survey (a study of 906 premenopausal women), as many as 95 percent of women say a healthy sex life is important to a romantic relationship; yet, 40 percent of these women admit they avoid sex with their partner due to low desire.

If you suffer from one or all of HSDD symptoms shared here, you are not alone. According to the HealthyWomen survey, as many as 46 percent of the women surveyed experienced low sexual desire at some point in time.

If you suspect you may be experiencing HSDD, learn more about the Reconnect Study.The Reconnect Study is a clinical research study evaluating an investigational medication for premenopausal women with decreased sexual desire.

This post is sponsored by Palatin Technologies.

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