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Amy Levine, MA, CSE(Sex Coach & Sexuality Educator)answered(7/31/2012)Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is often diagnosed when lack of sexual desire is causing distress. And, there are many causes including hormonal changes, mismatched libidos (when the different levels of desire are straining the person and relationship), health conditions, medications, or when sexual communication, performance, body image issues, depression and/or stress are taking a toll on a relationship or for oneself.
Sometimes, a diagnosis like HSDD can be overused to classify people in a neat little box with a bow. To me if it's a medical issue it's more clear cut and best to seek help from a doctor, if there are deep psychological causes, then those can best be explored with a therapist. However, when someone is having a difficult time, but believes they just need help to shift their thinking, coaching can be a great source of support.
If you have more specific questions, let me know and I'll be happy to answer them.
Amy Levine, MA, CSE(Sex Coach & Sexuality Educator)answered(7/31/2012)Yes, it makes sense that a diagnosis can be comforting and validating, especially when the medical professional pushes you off. Leonore seems like she would be a great resource on this topic. I haven't seen her in years. Maybe you want to reach out to her if you haven't already. I'm not a therapist, so I don't have all the info on nuances of the subject, although I believe it can be serious for some women and the approval for the medication could have been promising on various levels - even to give women another option. I hope you're in a better place and have found some relief and support.
Physical therapy can also be an option if you're still experiencing pain and qualified people are able to do vaginal related PT. Check out Amy Stein and her book: Heal Pelvic Pain: The Proven Stretching, Strengthening, and Nutrition Program for Relieving Pain, Incontinence,& I.B.S, and Other Symptoms Without Surgery. I saw her speak at a conference organized by Columbia University a few years ago, and she seems to do great work.
Have you tried acupuncture and herbology? Eastern medicine with someone that's well trained and knowledgeable can be a huge benefit. It's great integrated with Western medicine. However, particularly, when docs have no real answers, a different perspective like Eastern medicine using a different system, can be life changing.
Dr. Stephen Betchen(Marriage & Family Therapist, Sex Therapist)answered(4/8/2013)Just like to add that many couples prone to control struggles seem to suffer from HSDD, And, that many sexual disorders are secondary to HSDD.
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Anonymousanswered(7/31/2012)thanks Amy. I was un or misdiagnosed with a number of symptoms for almost 20 years after unexplained menopause at 31 years old - incredibly painful almost unbearable sex with my husband, and every doctor said try KY or lets adjust your hormones but none seemed to take me very seriously and my (ex) husband ultimately sought what he needed outside the marriage - while "this" wasnt the sole cause it was a significant contributor. I hear many say there is no such thing as HSDD but I found a diagnosis comforting and validating........now I am reliving the testimony I delivered in front of the FDA a few years back as a patient where I testified at Flibanserin hearing despite fact that I wasnt even a candidate for the drug but rather felt that we should have FDA approved treatment options for women who are in great distress and who, after consult which their doctor, determine a device or pill or gel or patch might help, can get it and be covered by insurance. I am still unclear about the DSM and diagnosis criteria and realize this is still incredibly controversial....I follow new view and Leonore Tiefer and others .
I responded to this last night and then remembered ChickRx and though I would be well served to post here. Thank you again - and if you know of any links to studies on either side of the topic, I am all ears.....here was a post from yesterday and I commented....thanks for listening
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Anonymousanswered(7/31/2012)Thanks Amy, I had sex therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy, clitoral ultrasounds and testing of my SHBG - showing that I dont metabolize testosterone. Tried it (T) topically off label then implanted pellet and had stunning results but this was over a long period of time and after much research and serious deliberation., oh and HRT as well. I practice hot yoga regularly and also am a proponent of alternative therapies - now reevaluating non vs pharma based solutions.....hard to find subject matter experts and yes, I will reach out to Leonore
oh the link to the "this I was referring to is here - whoops and thanks again.... http://thehoopla.com.au/hunt-pink-viagra/
