women s health issues
Sexual Interest Arousal Disorder
Diagnosis of Sexual Interest Arousal Disorder
A doctor's evaluation based on specific criteria Doctors base the diagnosis of sexual interest/arousal disorder on the woman’s history and description of the problem and on criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association. These criteria require a lack of or decrease in at least three of the following: Interest in sexual activity Initiation of sexual activity and responsiveness to a partner's initiation Excitement or pleasure during almost all sexual activity Sexual or erotic fantasies or thoughts Physical sensations in the genital area or elsewhere during sexual activity Interest or arousal in response to sexual stimuli—written, spoken, or visual These symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and must cause significant distress in the woman. A pelvic examination is done if penetration during sexual activity causes pain. 