Persistent lack of sexual desire causing distress. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Persistent lack of sexual desire causing distress
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is characterized by persistently low or absent sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire for sexual activity.
It must cause significant distress and is not better explained by other conditions or medications.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may ask when the concern began, whether it occurs in every situation, relevant health and medication history, stress or relationship context, and what feels comfortable. Physical examination or tests are guided by the history; they are not automatic.
Care may involve a medical review, treatment of a contributing condition, medicine review with the prescriber, counseling, or psychosexual therapy. Avoid changing a prescribed medicine without professional advice.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pain, injury, heavy bleeding, a concerning infection symptom, or another acute medical problem. Distressing thoughts of harming yourself need immediate support.
Symptoms
- Absent or low sexual desire
- No sexual thoughts or fantasies
- Distress about low desire
- Relationship difficulties
Possible causes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Psychological factors
- Medications
- Chronic illness
- Relationship problems
- Stress
Care and treatment options
- Hormone therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Couples counseling
- Medication review
- Lifestyle changes
Key points
- Most common female sexual dysfunction
- Can affect men too
- Often multifactorial
- Treatable condition
Preparing for a consultation
- When symptoms began and whether they are new or lifelong.
- Whether the concern occurs in every situation or only in some contexts.
- Current medicines, supplements, alcohol or substance use.
- Pain, illness, stress, trauma history you feel safe sharing, and your treatment goals.
Questions worth asking
- Is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?
Persistent lack of sexual desire causing distress This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?
A clinician may ask when the concern began, whether it occurs in every situation, relevant health and medication history, stress or relationship context, and what feels comfortable. Physical examination or tests are guided by the history; they are not automatic.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Hormone therapy, Psychotherapy, Couples counseling, Medication review. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder be checked urgently?
Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe pain, injury, heavy bleeding, a concerning infection symptom, or another acute medical problem. Distressing thoughts of harming yourself need immediate support.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When symptoms began and whether they are new or lifelong. Whether the concern occurs in every situation or only in some contexts. Current medicines, supplements, alcohol or substance use. Pain, illness, stress, trauma history you feel safe sharing, and your treatment goals. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.