Having the Sexual Dysfunction Discussion

The aim of this booklet is to explain the underlying pathophysiology of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), to increase physician awareness, to facilitate patient-physician and physician-patient communication, and to present the treatment options available. Section 1 explains the female sexual response cycle and how sexual desire disorder has been classified in the various Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders volumes. Section 2 explains the neurobiology of female sexual dysfunction and the role of the brain in this disorder. Section 3 explains the reasons underlying the patient-physician miscommunication, and Section 4 provides tools to physicians to facilitate discussion and diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Section 5 introduces the general treatments, either approved or in clinical trials, for hypoactive sexual desire disorder.