MHSDD is categorized into subtypes depending on the way that symptoms manifest. The subtypes include:

Lifelong/generalized. In this type, the man has never been interested in sexual activity, either with a partner or alone. Acquired/generalized. In this type, the man has had sexual desire for his partner in the past but no longer has an interest in sex with any partner or alone.

Acquired/situational. In this type, the man has previously had a sexual interest in his partner but no longer does. However, he is interested in sex with a different partner or alone.

What Causes Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?

The cause of MHSDD is unknown, but different factors likely trigger it in varying cases. Scientists believe that physical, medical, and psychological factors may all play a role in producing the disorder’s decreased sex drive. Possible risk factors include:

• Low levels of the hormones testosterone or estrogen
• High levels of the hormone prolactin
• Reaction to SSRI antidepressant medications or blood pressure medicines
• Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis
• Mental health-related issues such as depression or anxiety
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• History of abuse, sexual assault, or other trauma
• Relationship difficulties
• Low self-esteem or body-image issues
• Stress

How Is Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of MHSDD begins by ruling out medical problems that may be causing symptoms. After these exams, if the doctor suspects that MHSDD is the cause of the symptoms, they may recommend a psychological or psychiatric assessment.

Diagnostic steps may include:

A physical exam. This exam aims at ruling out physical conditions that could be causing the symptoms.

After medical causes are ruled out, medical professionals can consider whether the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for MHSDD. These criteria include:

The patient has little or no desire for sexual activity, sexual thoughts, or sexual fantasies.

The symptoms have been present 75%-100% of the time for at least six months.

The symptoms cause significant distress or interpersonal difficulties. Symptoms aren’t caused by substance use or a medical condition. Other mental conditions do not better explain the symptoms. It is important to note that low sex drive alone is insufficient to diagnose MHSDD. Doctors will consider the diagnosis only if the symptoms cause distress.

Treatment of MHSDD:

Treatment varies depending on the underlying condition that seems to be causing it. Potential treatment options include:

• 1. Medicine: Modern medicine couldn't give promising results in HSDD. So at Dr Erande's clinic, we give Ayurvedic treatment with no side effects.
• 2. Hormone Replacement Therapy
• 3. Changes In Dosage Of Antidepressants Or Other Medications that may be causing symptoms
• 4. Lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, etc.)
• 5. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• 6. Relationship skills and communication training
• 7. Mindfulness techniques

HSDD Female

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), now known as female sexual interest/arousal disorder, is a sexual dysfunction that causes a lowered sex drive in women.

Many women will pass off the symptoms of HSDD as the inevitable effects of aging or changes in their body.

If your sex drive is affecting your quality of life, it may be time to talk to your doctor.

What are the symptoms of HSDD?

While it’s healthy for sexual desire to fluctuate, a woman with HSDD will usually experience a lack of sexual desire for six months or more.

Symptoms associated with HSDD include:

Your doctor will try to identify an underlying cause for the condition. These causes could be physical, emotional, or a combination.

• Little to no interest in sexual activity

• Few to no sexual thoughts or fantasies

• Disinterest in initiating sex

• Difficulty getting pleasure from sex

• Lack of pleasurable sensations when the genitals are stimulated

How do doctors diagnose HSDD?

Unlike other medical conditions, there is no specific test to diagnose HSDD. Yet, there are a few methods used by doctors to diagnose the condition.

Start by telling your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor may ask questions about how your low sex drive is impacting your well-being.

Physical causes of HSDD can include:

• Arthritis

• Coronary artery disease

• Diabetes

• Decreased estrogen or testosterone levels

• Hormonal changes during or after pregnancy

• Fatigue or exhaustion due to a grueling work, family, or school schedule

• Taking certain medications that affect sex drive

Emotional causes of HSDD include:

• A history of anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem

• A history of sexual abuse

• Trust issues with a sexual partner

• Your doctor may also conduct a pelvic exam to identify any changes that might have affected your sexual desire. A blood test to check for affected hormone levels might be performed, as well.

However, sometimes there is no specific underlying cause for HSDD. This does not mean that HSDD cannot be treated.

How do doctors treat HSDD?

There are various methods used to treat HSDD. To find the right treatment, it’s key to understand the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Your doctor may ask if you’re currently taking any medications. Certain medicines can negatively affect sex drive.

For example, some antidepressants may cause a lowered sex drive. In such cases, a doctor may suggest a prescription with fewer side effects.

Do not stop taking antidepressants without a doctor’s approval.

If it seems that emotional issues are the root of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest counseling. Not only can a specialist teach you how to communicate better with your partner, but they can also help you identify sexual techniques for a more pleasurable experience.

It’s common for premenopausal and postmenopausal women to experience changes in estrogen levels. This is due to a reduction of blood flow to the vagina.

If lowered estrogen levels are causing your symptoms of HSDD, estrogen therapy may be suggested. Your doctor will recommend applying a cream, suppository, or ring that releases estrogen in the vagina. This can increase blood flow without the unwanted side effects that come with taking an estrogen pill.

Another treatment option is the pill flibanserin (Addyi), which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This medication has been shown to boost sex drive in premenopausal women with low sexual desire.

However, the drug is not for everyone. Possible side effects include hypotension (low blood pressure), fainting, and dizziness.

The injectable medication bremelanotide (Vyleesi) has also been FDA-approved to treat low sex drive in premenopausal women. Possible side effects include severe nausea, reactions at the site of the injection, and headache.

Lifestyle changes could also relieve stress and help improve a woman’s libido. These include:

• Exercising regularly

• Setting aside time for intimacy

• Sexual experimentation (such as different positions, role-playing, or sex toys)

• Avoiding substances that affect sexual desire, like tobacco and alcohol practicing stress-relieving techniques, such as mindfulness-based interventions.

Don’t underestimate the effect a decreased sexual desire can have on your well-being. If you feel symptoms of HSDD have impacted your quality of life, talk to your doctor. There are treatment options available.

Treatment:

Ayurvedic medicine gives promising results if given along with proper counseling and lifestyle modifications.