What is frigidity? The medical disorder that affects your sex drive

TW: mentions of rape, abuse, mental health issues

Often perceived as an insult, the term 'frigid', or at least its notion, nevertheless talks about a real medical reality which American health resources refer to as: hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).

In the UK, the NHS refers to it as 'low sex drive (loss of libido).' According to the UK health security provider, this condition can affect both men and women whereas 'frigidity' has always been used against women.

What is 'frigidity'?

We have now established that the notion of 'frigidity' is now referred to as 'hypoactive sexual desire disorder'. Planned Parenthood defines it as:

is when you’re not interested in sex (have no sex drive or a low sex drive), and it bothers you.

'Frigidity' should not be confused with anorgasmia - the inability to reach orgasm - or dyspareunia - experiencing pain during intercourse. Nordoes it have anything to do with asexuality, which is a sexual orientation.

Both Planned Parenthood and the NHS, emphasise the fact that HSDD can be treated and can be identified through clear symptoms.

2 types of HSDD

• primary 'frigidity': a person who has never experienced the slightest sexual desire. This is often due to psychological causes, such as upbringing.
• secondary 'frigidity': this concerns a person who has already experienced a sexual life, whether fulfilling or not. There are many causes: childbirth, traumatic episodes (bereavement, rape, abortion...).

How to treat HSDD

According to the NHS, there are tangible treatments that deal with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The first thing they specify is the fact that treatment needs to be adapted to what is causing the disorder.

Its causes and their treatments

If the cause of your HSDD has been identified as coming from:

• relationship issues: the NHS advises relationship counseling
• sexual problems (vaginal dryness / erectile dysfunction) can be treated with medicine
• menopause: 'hormone replacement therapy' which you can learn about here
• mental health problems (anxiety, depression): the NHS suggests using antidepressants and 'cognitive behavioural therapy'

Read more: The secret to great sex may have to do with how much sun you get

Other causes

• A traumatic childhood event related to intimacy or sexuality
• A strict upbringing that devalued sex
• A first sexual encounter that didn't go so well
• A tendency to judge and devalue oneself
• Taking medications (antidepressants, sleeping pills, contraceptives) that affect physical or mental well-being

If you have any more questions about the subject, don't hesitate to get in touch with a health professional and to visit the websites linked below.

This article has been adapted from OMMFR

Read more:Everything you need to know about first time sex

Sources:

NHS

Planned Parenthood