In the case of a lifestyle drug that might improve a woman’s sexual pleasure or basic desire

In the case of a lifestyle drug that might improve a woman’s sexual pleasure or basic desire, these critics argue that the benefit does not balance the risks that would be associated with it, however slight they might be.

Another myth promoted by critics of female sexual dysfunction promote is that drugs under development, particularly those relying on the male hormone testosterone, are inherently unsafe. This criticism ignores the fact that testosterone has been prescribed for the treatment of desire disorders in women for decades with few, if any, significant adverse side effects.

Professionals in the field know that drugs alone will not restore broken relationships and that individuals who are phobic about sex need some form of psychotherapy or behavior therapy to change these feelings, which are likely at the heart of their sexual problem.

By the same token, if a woman has deficient levels of androgens in her system, she will likely have to talk to her therapist for a very long time to achieve a return of her sexual desire.

Women need to invest their energies in enlightened self-interest, learn the facts in this important domain of women’s health, and rid themselves of the myths and misogyny perpetrated by the cynics and the old guard who, for whatever reasons, are promoting these serious misconceptions.
by Leonard DeRogatis, Ph.D.

Fertility & Sexual Disorders