Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
A sexual dysfunction involving persistently deficient or absent sexual thoughts and desire for sexual activity, causing significant distress.
Overview
Male hypoactive sexual desire disorder involves persistently or recurrently deficient or absent sexual thoughts, fantasies, and desire for sexual activity, present for at least six months and causing significant distress.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include a marked and persistent reduction in interest in sexual activity, along with distress about the change or its effect on relationships. 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 factors, certain medications, relationship difficulties, and psychological factors such as depression or chronic stress.
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 and relational contributors have evidence supporting their use.
Medication
Evaluation for underlying hormonal or medical contributors, along with review of current medications, is an important part of treatment. 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 Male Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Open communication with a partner and addressing broader stress or relationship 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 once contributing medical, psychological, or relational factors are identified and addressed.
Related Conditions
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.