This archive report was first published on 16 October 2019.
Low Sex Drive: When to Talk to Your Doctor ¶
According to Dr. Karen Stewart, a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who specializes in sex and couples therapy, a low sex drive is a common issue that affects both men and women. In fact, research has shown that more than a quarter of premenopausal U.S. women have a low sex drive.
However, if your lack of interest in sex is distressing and feels persistent, you may have a condition called hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), says Dr. Sheryl A. Kingsberg, PhD, chief of the division of behavioral medicine in the ob-gyn department at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center's MacDonald Women's Hospital.
So when is your low sex drive 'low enough' to have a conversation with your doctor? Here are three signs to look out for:
Sign 1: The Shift Comes On Suddenly, and Stays ¶
Have you recently started taking birth control pills or antidepressants? Medications can be one reason for a change in libido, according to Dr. Kingsberg and Dr. Stewart. So can major or stressful life events, like a change in your health or relationship status, or starting a new job.
However, if your low sex drive sticks around even after you get used to your new prescription or lifestyle, you may want to check in with your doc. She may be able to recommend an alternative medication with fewer side effects or discuss treatments if she thinks something else, like HSDD, could be to blame.
Sign 2: It's Causing Stress in Your Relationship ¶
There's a caveat here: 'First, consider whether your low sex drive is causing stress in the relationship, or stress in the relationship is causing low sex drive,' Dr. Kingsberg says.
If things have been smooth sailing and you have no doubts about your attraction to your partner, it's possible HSDD could be to blame. If it's the latter, you two need to work on whatever is behind that stress. Either way, the first step is communication.
Sign 3: It's Negatively Affecting Your Quality of Life ¶
Not feeling great about your sex life can impact your life way beyond the bedroom. 'Sexual health is important to overall health, and every woman has a right to a healthy sexual life,' Dr. Kingsberg says.
In other words: If your lack of desire is messing with your happiness, you owe it to yourself to do something about it. After all, sex is supposed to be pleasurable!
