Sexual desire problems in women seeking healthcare: a novel study design for ascertaining prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in clinic-based samples of U.S. women.

Background: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) has been estimated to occur in 10%-15% of adult women in large population-representative and community-based studies. However, none of these studies have used in-person diagnostic interview assessment to rule out alternative diagnoses, nor has the impact of other health conditions or help-seeking experiences been investigated. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of generalized acquired HSDD in women aged ≥18 who attended primary care or obstetrics and gynecology clinics for nonurgent clinic visits in the United States.

Methods: A total of 701 women were enrolled at 20 clinical sites across the United States between June 11, 2010, and October 15, 2010. Participants completed a two-part self-administered questionnaire, and a validated, structured, in-person diagnostic interview, conducted by a trained health professional was used for diagnosing HSDD according to DSM-IV-TR criteria.

Results: Fifty-two women (7.4%) were assigned a diagnosis of generalized acquired HSDD. Prevalence was lower in minority and postmenopausal women. Level of education and other sociodemographic factors did not appear to differentiate between women with and without HSDD. A marked increase in HSDD prevalence was noted in the perimenopausal (i.e., 40-49 years) and immediate postmenopausal (i.e., 50-59) age groups. Of the women diagnosed with HSDD, 53% had sought care from a health professional for HSDD.

Conclusions: In this sample of women recruited in the clinical care setting, we observed an overall prevalence rate of 7.4% of acquired, generalized HSDD, with markedly increased prevalence in midlife women.