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Inhibited sexual desire (ISD) refers
to a low level of sexual desire and interest manifested by a failure
to initiate or be responsive to a partner's initiation of sexual
activity. ISD may be a primary condition (where the person has never
felt much sexual desire or interest), or secondary (where the person
used to possess sexual desire, but no longer has interest). ISD
may also be either situational to the partner (where he/she has
interest in other persons, but not toward the partner), or it may
be general (where he/she has a lack of sexual interest in anyone).
In its extreme form, sexual aversion, the person not only lacks
sexual desire, but may find sex repulsive, revolting, and distasteful.
Sometimes, rather than being inhibited desire, there may be simply
a discrepancy in sexual interest levels between two partners, both
of whom have interest levels within the normal range. Occasionally,
someone may claim that his or her partner has ISD, when in fact
the individual may have hyperactive sexual desire and be very demanding
sexually.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
ISD is the most frequent of all sexual
dysfunctions, accounting for at least half of all admissions to
sex therapy clinics. The most common cause of secondary ISD seems
to be relationship problems wherein one partner does not feel emotionally
intimate or close to their mate. Communication problems, lack of
affection that is not associated with continuing into sexual intercourse,
power struggles and conflicts, and a lack of time alone together
are common factors. Primary ISD may be associated with a very restrictive
upbringing concerning sex, negative attitudes toward sex, or negative
or traumatic sexual experiences (such as rape, incest, or sexual
abuse). Physical illnesses and some medications may also contribute
to ISD, particularly when they produce fatigue, pain, or general
feelings of malaise. Hormone deficiencies may occasionally be implicated.
Psychological conditions such as depression and excessive stress
may inhibit sexual interest. Commonly overlooked factors include
insomnia or inadequate amounts of sleep, resulting in fatigue. ISD
may also be associated with other sexual dysfunctions, and sometimes
may be caused by them. For example, the woman who is unable to have
orgasm or has pain with intercourse, or the man who has erection
problems (impotence) or retarded ejaculation,
may lose interest in sex because it is commonly associated with
failure or is not very pleasurable. Individuals who were victims
of childhood sexual abuse or rape, and persons whose marriages are
lacking in emotional intimacy are particularly at risk of ISD.
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