Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

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Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Medically reviewed · Ratel Health editorial team · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A sexual dysfunction involving markedly reduced or absent sexual interest or arousal, causing significant distress.

Overview

Female sexual interest/arousal disorder involves markedly reduced or absent interest in sexual activity, sexual thoughts, or arousal in response to sexual cues, present for at least six months and causing significant distress.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can include reduced or absent initiation of sexual activity, reduced sexual excitement or pleasure, and reduced genital or non-genital sensations during sexual activity. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes can include hormonal changes, relationship factors, psychological contributors such as stress or depression, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.

Psychotherapy

Sex therapy and counseling addressing psychological, relational, and educational factors have evidence supporting their use.

Medication

Certain FDA-approved medications exist for specific presentations; hormonal and medical evaluation may also be appropriate. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.

Living With Female Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder

Open communication with a partner and addressing broader relationship or stress factors often supports improvement.

When to Seek Professional Help

Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.

Emergency Situations

If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.

Outlook

Many individuals see improvement with a combination of therapy and addressing contributing medical or relational factors.

Related Conditions

Female Orgasmic Disorder

A sexual dysfunction involving marked delay in, infrequency of, or absence of orgasm, or markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensation.

Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder

A sexual dysfunction involving persistent difficulties with vaginal penetration, pelvic or vulvovaginal pain, or fear of pain associated with penetration.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
  • National Institute of Mental Health.
  • World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.