By Maddy Torres
This blog is a summary of our published article:
Shimizu, J. P. K., Bergeron, S., Schwenck, G. C., Huberman, J. S., & Rosen, N. O. (2024). What should we be studying? Research priorities according to women and gender-diverse individuals with sexual interest/arousal disorder and their partners. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(11). https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae121
About Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder
Sexual Interest/Arousal Disorder (SIAD) is a common yet often misunderstood sexual health condition affecting women and gender-diverse individuals. It is defined as a persistent absence or reduction in sexual interest and/or arousal lasting at least six months, which causes distress to the individual [1].
Unlike transient periods of low desire, SIAD is multifaceted in its causes, involving biological, psychological, social, and relational factors [2]. SIAD not only affects the individual experiencing it but also their partners and relationships, which can lead to decreased sexual satisfaction, relationship strain, and emotional distress [3]. Despite its prevalence, SIAD is under-researched, particularly among gender-diverse populations, leaving gaps in understanding and treatment that need urgent attention.
What did we want to know?
Because SIAD is a significant sexual health issue, this study aimed to identify research priorities from the perspectives of women and gender-diverse individuals with SIAD and their partners. By understanding their priorities, researchers sought to bridge gaps between patient needs and research efforts, creating opportunities for more relevant, effective interventions.
What did we do?
To understand the research priorities of people with SIAD and their partners, the study used a large-scale online survey. A total of 1,279 participants were recruited through social media, community outreach, and healthcare networks.
The survey asked open-ended questions about what participants felt should be the top priorities for future research on SIAD. Responses were then analyzed using qualitative content analysis to identify recurring themes. Importantly, the study intentionally included both individuals with SIAD and their partners, as well as gender-diverse participants, to ensure a wide range of perspectives were captured.
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What did we find?
Their insights were categorized into six key themes:
- Psychological factors: The most frequently mentioned area, with participants highlighting stress, anxiety, and self-esteem as crucial aspects requiring more research.
- Relationship dynamics: Communication about sexual desire, relationship length, and emotional connection were seen as important areas of study.
- Biophysiological factors: Many respondents wanted more research on medical and hormonal influences on sexual desire.
- Treatment and coping strategies: Participants were interested in discovering new, effective treatment methods.
- Understanding causes: Some responses focused on better understanding what leads to SIAD in the first place.
- Environmental and contextual factors: Though less frequently mentioned, external influences like work-life balance and social expectations were still considered relevant.
Notably, these research priorities were largely consistent across different demographic groups, including gender-diverse individuals and partners of those with SIAD.
What does this mean?
The findings underscore the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to SIAD research. Participants emphasized the need to address psychological, relational, and biological factors comprehensively, reflecting the multifaceted nature of SIAD. The overlap in priorities between individuals with SIAD, their partners, and gender-diverse participants highlights common ground, suggesting that patient-centered, multidisciplinary research is essential. These insights pave the way for developing targeted interventions that resonate with the lived experiences of those affected.
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Why does this matter?
This research highlights the critical role of patient and partner perspectives in shaping SIAD studies. By aligning research with their priorities, we can create interventions that are relevant, inclusive, and effective. SIAD often leads to significant personal and relational distress, making it essential to address through holistic, patient-informed methods. Including gender-diverse participants in the study is particularly noteworthy, ensuring greater inclusivity in a field often limited to cisgender women. Ultimately, understanding and addressing the complexities of SIAD can improve sexual health, relationship satisfaction, and overall well-being for countless individuals and couples.
References
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Association.
[2] Parish, S. J., & Hahn, S. R. (2016). Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: A review of epidemiology, biopsychology, diagnosis, and treatment. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 4(2), 103–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.11.009
[3] Rosen, N. O., Dubé, J. P., Corsini-Munt, S., & Muise, A. (2019). Partners experience consequences, too: A comparison of the sexual, relational, and psychological adjustment of women with sexual interest/arousal disorder and their partners to control couples. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(1), 83–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.10.018
