Disorders of Desire

Low sexual desire
People generally come into treatment for low sexual desire when their partner notices it This most frequent complaint can stem from many sources including:

• Medication
• Many drugs can suppress sexual desire and functioning, including high blood pressure medicines, oral contraceptives and antidepressants. If you notice a sudden change in sexual desire after taking a medication, consult your doctor.
• Hormones.
• Lower levels of estrogen or testosterone can affect sexual desire; it's a good idea to have a physical exam to check for physical causes.
• Relationship conflicts
• . Low sexual desire often results from interpersonal problems in a relationship. For example, one partner may withhold sex as a way of expressing hostility, according to Myles.
• Psychological problems
• Lack of desire can reflect a fear of intimacy. It can also be a symptom of depression or more serious disorders such as narcissism or character problems. These personality disorders make it hard to connect with others and integrate love and sexuality.
• Sexual abuse.
• Many people with low desire have histories of sexual abuse, reports Myles, and have difficulty being sexually intimate in a safe, committed relationship.
• Sexual boredom and aging.
• Even couples who were once strongly attracted to each other need to reconnect and learn new techniques for revitalizing their sex lives. "A lot of people believe that sex should be totally natural and you shouldn't have to do anything to encourage it, but the truth is you do," says Myles. He recommends using sex manuals and instructional videos to learn some creative ways to spice up lovemaking.

Therapists report a high success rate in dealing with low sexual desire. Once a medical cause is ruled out, sex therapists use a combination of psychotherapy and behavioral techniques to help individuals and couples reclaim their sexuality.

from her book:Disorders of Desire by Elaine Gottlieb