An absence of normal sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity that causes significant distress or difficulty in relationships. The lack of desire may be lifelong (primary), or it may appear after a period of normal sexual activity (secondary). The inhibition may apply to all forms of sexual expression with all partners, or it may hold true for only one particular activity or for one partner.
Absence of sexual interest (libido) or the inability to achieve physical arousal during sexual interactions. These conditions can have either physical or psychological origins.
Many women and some men encounter a decrease in sexual desire at various points in their lives. Physical reasons for this often include exhaustion, poor health, and post-childbirth discomfort. Medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, birth control pills, and alcohol can also dampen libido. On the psychological side, factors like depression, stress, anxiety, troubled relationships, fear of pregnancy, or past traumatic sexual experiences can contribute to reduced sexual interest.
It’s uncommon for individuals of any gender to be completely unable to achieve some level of physical sexual arousal. Often, the issue can stem from a partner’s lack of skill or sensitivity in sexual techniques. Feelings of guilt surrounding sexual activity or anxiety about sexual performance can also be contributing factors.
Sexual therapy or relationship counseling can offer assistance in addressing issues rooted in psychology. Sexual challenges stemming from physical or chemical factors often show improvement once the underlying condition has been resolved.