Lost interest in sex can feel personal, but FSIAD is a real medical diagnosis that affects many women—estimates suggest roughly 10–15% meet clinical criteria. The good news: there are clear, practical options to try, and you don't have to guess which one fits your situation.
Before any drug, check for medical causes. Low thyroid, anemia, diabetes, chronic pain, sleep problems, migraines, or medications (SSRIs, blood pressure drugs) can kill desire. Hormone changes from menopause, breastfeeding, or recent childbirth matter too. Get basic labs (thyroid, hemoglobin, fasting glucose) and review current meds with a clinician.
Also look at relationship and mental health factors. Stress, anxiety, body image, or past trauma can blunt desire just as much as hormones. A quick sexual history and honest talk with your partner can surface obvious fixes.
Flibanserin (Addyi) is approved for premenopausal women with low desire. It’s taken daily and clinical trials found a modest increase in satisfying sexual events (roughly half to one extra event per month) and improved desire scores. Side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure—avoid alcohol and certain meds.
Bremelanotide (Vyleesi) is an injection used as needed before sexual activity for premenopausal women. Trials show small-to-moderate benefit in desire and satisfying sexual events. Common side effects: nausea and flushing; it can raise blood pressure briefly so check cardiovascular health first.
Testosterone therapy can help some postmenopausal women when given at low doses under supervision. It’s usually off-label for women, and doctors monitor lipids and liver function. Topical estrogen or vaginal estrogen helps when vaginal pain or dryness is part of the problem.
Other options include switching or adjusting antidepressants, treating pain or pelvic floor issues, and considering short-term medication trials only under medical guidance.
If you prefer non-drug routes, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based sex therapy, and sensate-focus exercises often help. Couples therapy that focuses on communication and sexual scripts can change patterns fast—try specific homework exercises rather than just talking.
Small lifestyle changes matter: regular exercise, better sleep, cutting back on alcohol, and scheduling intimacy (yes, really) reduce stress and create space for desire. Pelvic floor physical therapy can fix pain-related avoidance.
How to plan: 1) Get a basic medical check, 2) try targeted lifestyle and therapy steps for 6–12 weeks, 3) consider medications if problems persist, 4) follow safety checks and follow-up with a clinician. If you have sudden loss of desire, severe distress, or a history of heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure, see a specialist sooner.
FSIAD is treatable. With the right mix—medical, psychological, and practical—you can find improvement. Ask your primary care provider or a sexual health specialist for a tailored plan that matches your needs and safety profile.
Mar, 22 2024
In 2015, the FDA approved Flibanserin (Addyi) for treating female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) in premenopausal women. This guide delves into how Addyi, described as 'female Viagra', works, its benefits, side effects, and the need for more inclusive research. Bremelanotide (Vyleesi), another FSIAD medication, is also discussed alongside the off-label use of Viagra in women.