Female Sexual Interest / Arousal Disorder is a condition in which a woman experiences low or significantly reduced sexual interest, desire, or arousal. This may include reduced thoughts, pleasure, or physical sensations during sexual activity, leading to personal distress or relationship difficulties.

Key Features

• Reduced or absent interest in sexual activity
• Reduced or absent sexual or erotic thoughts and fantasies
• Little or no initiation of sexual activity and lack of responsiveness to a partner’s attempts
• Reduced sexual excitement or pleasure during sexual encounters
• Reduced interest or arousal in response to sexual cues (visual, verbal, written)
• Reduced genital or non-genital sensations during sexual activity

Possible Symptoms

• Low desire or difficulty becoming sexually excited
• Lack of erotic thoughts or fantasies
• Declining interest in initiating or participating in sexual activity
• Emotional strain, frustration, or relationship difficulties
• Reduced physical sensations during sexual activity

What Causes It?

Female Sexual Interest / Arousal Disorder can result from several emotional, physical, and relational factors, including:

• Relationship conflicts or lack of emotional connection
• Stress, anxiety, or depression
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, postpartum)
• Medications that affect sexual function
• Past trauma or negative sexual experiences
• Body image issues, cultural or religious beliefs

Severity Types

• Mild: Low desire causes mild distress
• Moderate: Noticeable distress or relationship strain
• Severe: Significant emotional impact and difficulty in sexual functioning

Female Sexual Interest / Arousal Disorder is a common and treatable condition. With proper assessment, emotional support, hormone evaluation, therapy, or medical treatment, most women experience significant improvement.