Seeking Satisfaction

Treating Decreased Libido in Woman

McCaffrey, Ruth MSN, ND, ARNP
Barnett, Shirley MEd, MSN, ARNP
Thomas, Debera Jane DNS, ARNP

Ruth McCaffrey, MSN, ND, ARNP, is a visiting professor at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.
Shirley Barnett. MEd, MSN, ARNP, is a nurse practitioner at the Jefferson County Juvenile Detention Center in Steubenville, OH.
Debera Jane Thomas, DNS, ARNP, is an associate professor at the College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, in Boca Raton.

AWHONN Lifelines 5(4):p 30-35, August-September 2001.

Having a sense of satisfaction with your sexual life is highly personal and important. Many women today experience what they would call a lack of a sex drive—or decreased libido—and are unaware of the associated factors affecting their sexuality. Nurses need to be proactive in talking with women about their sexuality and drives as most women will be reluctant to bring the subject into conversation. However, women are typically very willing to discuss the issue when their nurse inquires about their level of sexual functioning. Here's how nurses can incorporate these conversations into routine exams.