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What is Female Sexual Interest and Arousal Disorder?

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A lack of interest in sex, an inability to be aroused by sex, painful sex, and the avoidance of sex can occur at any point in life and can fluctuate in intensity.  But when any one of these becomes extreme and lasts for six months or more, it may be due to what is now called Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder.  This name represents a more modern understanding of what used to be two separate disorders: Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Female Sexual Arousal Disorder. Sexual arousal and the desire to have sex are difficult if not impossible to separate, and this disorder illustrates that.

Persistent problems with response and desire that interfere with sexual activity, pleasure, desire, and excitement for a long time are the key components.  Experiencing a lack of arousal, having less intense, or no orgasms is also common.  Relationship issues often occur alongside these problems, appearing either as a cause or as a result. Women are often ashamed about these issues, so seeking help is difficult.  While it can be extremely frustrating in its own right, they often feel as if they are letting their partners down.

This disorder can start right when women first become sexually active, or several years of healthy sex can pass before problems appear. Age is also a factor when doctors evaluate sexual desire problems. Many people tend to have a lower sex drive in their later years. However, some older people are less disturbed by this change and accept it as a natural part of aging. The length of a relationship matters as well, since people tend to be less sexually driven in long term relationships.

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