Posted On: April 5, 2021
It’s estimated that about 41% of women experience sexual dysfunction, compared to 31% of men. So, then, why are there at least six brand name drugs to treat erectile dysfunction in men but only two that treat sexual hypoactive desire disorder (HSDD) in women – the most common sexual disorder in women?
The answer comes down to two main reasons: The investment and research into erectile dysfunction (something that only affects 19% of men) far outpaces research into women’s sexual dysfunction. Women’s sexual dysfunction is also much more complex to treat, thanks to a wide-range of causes and our changing biology as we age.
HSDD isn’t the only sexual dysfunction disorder women experience. Other sexual disorders include:
Each of these disorders can be caused by many different conditions – from cancer to diabetes, to falling estrogen levels to sexually transmitted diseases and many, many others.
Fortunately, the approval of two new drugs in recent years – flibanserin (brand name Addyi) and bremelanotide (brand name Vyleesi) offer women more answers and hope. These medications, both which work very differently, are targeted for women with HSDD.
There is still much work to be done, but an increase in awareness, attention and investment among research and pharmaceutical companies is contributing to the development of new drugs for women with sexual dysfunction.
Another challenge is that women and providers need to overcome is that many provider-patient appointments feel rushed as is without getting into a topic that doesn’t seem all that important to a women’s health as sex – another common misinterpretation of women’s health.
It’s easy to understand why talking about your sexual health to your provider can seem embarrassing. But it shouldn’t. Your sexual health is an important part of your overall health. In fact, sex has been found to have a positive effect on:
Your healthcare provider should create an open, honest and comfortable space for you to bring any health concern you’re facing, whether it’s your physical, mental, emotional or sexual health. These topics require more than the average seven-minute appointment you get with a traditional primary care provider (and it’s why we do things a little differently at Eileen West, MD and Associates.)
Leading the way in women's healthcare is renowned board-certified internal medicine doctor Dr. Eileen West. She has over 20 years of experience and is recognized for her expertise in menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her excellence-driven compassionate approach, which is associated with the American College of Physicians, improves the lives of her patients by putting a strong emphasis on their overall well-being.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Areas of Expertise: Women's Health, Menopause Management, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment.
This Thanksgiving, between the pumpkin pie and football games, take a moment to talk with your family about your health histories. Understanding your family’s medical history can be lifesaving. It helps us identify patterns, assess risk, and make proactive decisions—especially for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and genetic disorders. Here are a few simple questions to guide the conversation: 👉 Has anyone been diagnosed with a chronic condition? 👉 Are there any hereditary diseases we should be aware of? 👉 What age were relatives diagnosed with major illnesses? These discussions don’t have to be heavy—they can be empowering. Knowing your family’s health story gives you the power to write a healthier future. For additional tips on how to manage these conversations, see our blog: https://www.eileenwestmd.com/blog/ask-the-expert-family-health-history-and-why-it-matters/ Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and informed Thanksgiving. 🧡 #eileenwestmd #happythanksgiving
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