Body Image and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder Relationship in a Representative Sample of Iranian Women

Understanding Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) in Women: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a complex and multifaceted condition that significantly impacts the sexual well-being and overall quality of life of women. This comprehensive review aims to provide a holistic understanding of HSDD by exploring its etiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and broader societal implications. The review delves into the intricate interplay of biological factors, including hormonal changes and neurotransmitter imbalances, that contribute to HSDD. Psychological factors, such as relationship issues, body image, and stress, are examined with sociocultural factors like societal norms, cultural influences, and media portrayals of sexuality. Diagnostic criteria and assessment methods, including The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria, and self-report questionnaires, are explored to facilitate accurate identification of HSDD and differentiation from other sexual disorders. The impact of HSDD on women's quality of life and relationships is examined, highlighting the emotional strain and interpersonal challenges associated with the disorder. Societal and personal consequences of untreated HSDD underscore the need for increased awareness and support. Treatment approaches encompass non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, sex therapy, and couples therapy and pharmacological interventions like hormone therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Novel treatments like bremelanotide, flibanserin, and integrative strategies combining psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are discussed. Challenges and controversies surrounding HSDD, including the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, debates about the medicalization of sexuality, ethical concerns regarding pharmaceutical interventions, and cultural considerations, are addressed. Future directions in research, including advances in neurobiological understanding, personalized medicine, long-term treatment studies, and destigmatization initiatives, offer promising pathways for enhancing the management of HSDD.

Factors influencing low sexual desire and sexual distress in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sexual desire and sexual distress are determined by emotional, psychosocial, hormonal, and anatomical factors during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors contributing to female low sexual desire and sexual distress during pregnancy separately and concurrently.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 295 pregnant women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Sexual desire and distress were assessed by the sexual interest and desire inventory-female (score ≤ 33.0 indicates low sexual desire) and the female sexual distress scale-revised (score ≥ 11 indicates sexual distress).

RESULTS

56.3% and 17.3% of pregnant women met the clinical cut-off for low sexual desire and sexual distress, respectively. After adjusting for the effect of the confounding variables by logistic regression multivariate analysis, satisfaction with body image before and during pregnancy, frequency of sexual intercourse, and satisfaction with foreplay were found to be significantly associated with low sexual desire. Factors related to sexual distress were similar to those noted for common sexual desire, except for satisfaction with foreplay. Other factors related to sexual distress included increased age, fear of abortion, and pregnancy trimester. Factors linked to concurrent low sexual desire and sexual distress were similar to those found for sexual distress, except for pregnancy trimester.

CONCLUSION

Low sexual desire and sexual distress are relatively common sexual experiences during pregnancy. Several factors could predict low sexual desire but were not associated with sexual distress, and conversely. Comprehensive attention to all of these factors is essential while screening for sexual health during pregnancy.