Psychosocial determinants of low sexual desire in women: Empirical and qualitative multimodal study

Determining the exact prevalence and identifying risk factors for low sexual desire (LSD) is essential to understand female sexual dysfunctions and provide adequate treatment resources. The first study, including systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassed research articles reporting women with LSD and hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in PsycArticles, Scopus, MEDLINE, Web of Science databases, and reference lists until October 2021. The prevalence of LSD and HSDD was 29% and 12%, respectively. Studies using the convenience sampling method reported a higher prevalence of HSDD than those utilizing the probability sampling method. However, no differences existed between the assessment method and across cultures in LSD and HSDD. The objectives of the second study (qualitative) were to examine the meaning of sexual desire, understand the attributions made regarding the causes of LSD, investigate its effects on women, and explore help-seeking behavior. The survey included data from 165 heterosexual Turkish women who reported experiencing LSD. Through analysis, three major themes emerged: "Safeguard your chastity, do your duty," "It is not all in her head," and "No trouble, no fuss." Findings revealed relational, personal, and social factors on the causes of LSD. The third study (quantitative) aimed to test the relationship between relational and sexual factors and sexual desire and distress. Seven hundred forty-one married Turkish women who had been in matrimony for at least one year were enrolled using the Survey Monkey® platform between June and July 2022. Various measures were used in the recruitment process. The results of the third study revealed a negative association between marriage length and having children with sexual desire while displaying a positive association with sexual distress. Overall findings may elucidate factors impacting LSD in women, explain barriers to help-seeking behavior, and cover advances in the treatment of distressing low desire.