Scientific Society Symposium
Women are considered to have hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) if they experience persistent loss of desire for, or interest in, sexual activity and are significantly bothered by their lack of sexual interest. HSDD is common. Australian studies have show the prevalence of HSDD to be 32.2% (95% CI = 30.1-34.2) for women aged 40 to 65 years (1) and 13.6% (95% CI, 11.9%-15.4%) for women aged 65-79 years (2). However the assessment and management of women with HSDD is challenging. To assist clinicians with the assessment and management of HSDD, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health assembled an international expert panel to develop algorithms to guide clinicians in the care of women presenting with HSDD, based on the available best evidence. The algorithms, which will have global application, will be able to be used by clinicians in primary and specialist practices, and will provide a unique opportunity to internationally harmonise best clinical care in this field. [1] Worsley R, Bell RJ, Gartoulla P, Davis SR. Prevalence and Predictors of Low Sexual Desire, Sexually Related Personal Distress, and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction in a Community-Based Sample of Midlife Women. J Sex Med. 2017;14: 675-86. [2] Zeleke BM, Bell RJ, Billah B, Davis SR. Hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction in community-dwelling older women. Menopause. 2017;24: 391-99. [3] Clayton AH et al The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Process of Care for Management of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder in Women. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2017 in press.