When the love life fades and intimacy is scarce, you may wonder if you have developed a low sex drive. Although sex drive is highly individual, an abnormally low libido is a medical condition. There are many causes and cures based on those causes, though knowing when to seek medical attention may be confusing. This article will discuss the details that warrant seeking advice about a low sex drive.

Definition

It is called Hypoactive Sexual Desire Syndrome (HSDD). It is defined as the absence or greatly diminished sexual desire, thoughts or fantasy not relating to another medical condition. The crucial factors that aid in diagnosing this condition are few but serious. The lack of desire to initiate or even participate in sexual activity must be personally distressing. In short, you have to want-to-want sexual activity but not have any inclination to get it, ever, to be diagnosed with HSDD.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for developing HSDD. These include anything from a temporary life situation to a chronic illness. Some personal risk factors that predispose someone to developing this condition consist of suffering from depression, not getting along with your spouse regularly, and even being raised that sex is for making babies and not something to be active with simply for pleasure are. Other risk factors include preexisting medical conditions and some of their medications.

HSDD Mimicry

Various other conditions and situations may mimic Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. These are often temporary and situational. A marital fight can cause the couple not to desire sexual contact. Often the anger gets in the way of an emotional connection or the situation distracts from fantasizing. Another situation that can mimic HSDD is working longer hours than one is used to. Being overworked can cause a person simply to be too tired to want to engage in sexual activities.

These temporary circumstances can be risk factors for developing HSDD if they continue for a lengthy amount of time. Taking care of you, with a proper balance or rest, exercise, and nutrition, can prevent these issues from turning into long term conditions.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is no easy task. First, you have to make an appointment with your doctor. Second, you have to be comfortable enough to discuss the situation at length with him or her. Your doctor will discuss how long the symptoms have been distressing you, what has been happening in your life in general, specifically with your relationship and possibly what your parents instilled in you about sex.

Fortunately, in an effort to standardize the definition of HSDD, there have been some questionnaires created. These are invaluable in assessing the situation. They are called the Female Sexual Function Index and the Sexual Interest and Desire Inventory – Female. These surveys rate responses of such subjects as arousal, orgasm, desire and satisfaction. Unfortunately, there are no such diagnostic tools for assessing this condition in men.