Low desire, also known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), can affect individuals of any gender and can be caused by a variety of factors. It’s important to understand that experiencing low desire is not uncommon and is nothing to be ashamed of. Studies suggest that up to one-third of women and one-fifth of men may experience low sexual desire at some point in their lives. This can be distressing to many people.
Low desire or libido can be caused by a variety of factors. Fluctuations in hormone levels at different times of our lives including pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, menopause, or andropause. High levels of stress and fatigue can impact libido too making it difficult to feel sexually aroused. The quality of our relationships significantly affects our desire. Problems in a relationship, such as communication issues or unresolved conflicts can contribute to low desire. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, or body image issues can affect libido as well. Certain medications such as SSRIs and medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or chronic pain, can also contribute to low desire.
If you’re experiencing low desire, it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to address it: You are not broken and your desire to increase your libido can be attended to.
Having open and honest communication with your partner about your feelings and needs is essential. If your stress is causing your low desire, be intentional about healthy ways to manage stress such as meditation, therapy, physical activity, walks through nature or even masturbation (gasp!). These can help relieve stress and can improve your desire.
Addyi (flibanserin) and Vyleesi (bremelanotide) are two medications approved by the FDA to address low sexual desire. While they both aim to enhance sexual desire, they work differently.
Addyi (Flibanserin):
Addyi is a medication specifically designed to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. It works by targeting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which play roles in regulating sexual desire. It increases levels of certain neurotransmitters associated with sexual desire while decreasing levels of serotonin, which can inhibit sexual desire. Addyi works well in people experiencing low desire because of an antidepressant. By modulating these neurotransmitters, Addyi helps to rebalance brain chemistry and potentially increase sexual desire in women with HSDD. It’s important to note that Addyi needs to be taken daily and may take several weeks to show noticeable effects.
Vyleesi (Bremelanotide):
Vyleesi is another medication approved by the FDA to treat low sexual desire. Unlike Addyi, which is taken orally, Vyleesi is administered via an injection into the thigh or abdomen at least 45 minutes before you wanna party as an “on demand” treatment. Vyleesi acts by activating melanocortin receptors in your brain to enhance sexual desire and arousal. The exact mechanism of action of Vyleesi is not fully understood, but it is believed to influence neural pathways related to sexual motivation and response.
Making sure that your hormone function is optimal is incredibly important not only for your overall health, but also for desire. Sometimes, you may need estrogen and or testosterone supplementation to help you feel more like yourself. Sometimes it may be your thyroid function that is off……
Taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally is essential to sexual function. If low desire is impacting your quality of life, get help from a healthcare provider who specializes in sexual medicine. An excellent sexual medicine physician will have a whole team and body approach to help you reach your goals.
Connect with Dr. Karen Toubi If you’re struggling with low desire or other intimate health concerns. As a specialist in sexual medicine, Dr. Toubi can provide expert guidance and support to help you navigate your concerns and improve your sexual health. Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a consultation to discuss your needs.
Remember, you’re not alone in experiencing low desire, and there are resources and professionals available to support you. Take the first step towards improving your sexual health by connecting with Dr. Karen Toubi today.
