In most cases, medical evaluation and lab tests will not reveal a physical cause. However, because testosterone is the hormone responsible for creating sexual desire in both men and women, it may be useful to check testosterone levels. For men taking this test, blood should be drawn before 10 a.m., when male hormone levels are at their highest. Interviews with a specialist in sex therapy are more likely to reveal possible causes.
Treatment must be individualized—some couples will need relationship or marital therapy prior to focusing directly on enhancing sexual activity.
Of course, many couples may need to focus on the sexual relationship itself, and through education and assignments they can expand the variety and time devoted to sexual activity.
When problems with sexual arousal or performance are factors, these sexual dysfunctions will need to be addressed.
Prevention
One helpful way to prevent ISD is setting aside time for nonsexual intimacy. Couples who reserve time for one-on-one talking are more likely to experience sexual desire. Also, reserving time before exhaustion sets in will encourage closeness and sexual desire. Couples might mentally separate sex and affection, so that neither one is afraid to be affectionate daily.
