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Female Sexual Desire

Meaning

Female sexual desire, or libido, is a complex neurobiological and psychological state encompassing the subjective feeling of wanting to engage in sexual activity and the motivation for sexual pursuit. It is a multidimensional construct influenced by a delicate interplay of endocrine, neurochemical, psychological, and relational factors. Hormonally, it is significantly modulated by circulating androgens, particularly testosterone, and to a lesser extent, estrogens. Clinically, a persistent deficit or absence of this desire can be diagnosed as Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD).