- 48 percent of women ages 23 to 49 say their sex drive is lower now than it has been in the past.
- 93 percent of women believe that having a low sexual desire can put a strain on their relationships.
- 46 percent of women currently in relationships feel that low sexual desire is putting their relationships at risk.
- 81 percent of women in relationships admit to having sex with a partner when they are not in the mood, commonly referred to as "mercy sex."
Understanding Female Sexual Dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction is a disorder in which a woman has a sexual concern for at least six months. Concerns include decreased sexual desire, less frequent or weaker orgasms, difficulty with arousal, and pain during intercourse.
Does the complaint bother you? Is it a consistent problem that’s causing you distress? Has it been happening for at least six months? Could it be the result of medication you’re taking? Are you having other relationship issues?
These are all factors that should lead you to talk to your doctor.
Some physicians may chalk these concerns up to stress or depression. Going on more dates or having a glass of wine won’t help address female sexual dysfunction. Meditation and taking a vacation don’t address the root of the problem.
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is a problem with an imbalance of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. HSDD encompasses low libido. The brain responds differently to sexually arousing images in women with HSDD than it does in sexually healthy women. There is a biological basis for low sex drive.
Women are more impacted by stressors and the environment than men. Arousal is difficult when a woman is fatigued, stressed, having trouble at work, or having relationship issues.
Sexual relationships are tied to intimacy. Talk to your doctor about the changes you’re experiencing and sexual issues you may be having.
Perimenopause & Menopause Concerns
As you enter perimenopause and menopause, it’s important to understand what’s happening in your body. Your estrogen and testosterone levels have been declining for years. Your libido will change and you’ll experience vaginal dryness. Try using a silicone-based personal lubricant if you have issues related to vaginal dryness. You can also try olive oil or coconut oil, so long as you aren’t using latex products. If those don’t help, you need to speak with your clinician about other options.
You can visit FindMySpark.com to learn more about female sexual dysfunction. Study up on what you’re experiencing, and use that to start a conversation with your doctor.
Listen in as Dr. Leah Millheiser shares how female sexual dysfunction can be addressed and how you can achieve "no more mercy sex."
Dr. Leah S. Millheiser is the Chief Scientific Officer of Nuelle, Inc. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University Medical Center.