relationship distress, intimate partner violence , or other significant stressors, explain the
sexual interest/arousal symptoms, then a diag nosis of female sexual interest/arousal dis-
order would not be made.
Other sexual dysfunctions. The presence of another sexu al dysfunction does not rule
out a diagnosis of female sexual  interest/arousal disorder. It  is common for women to ex-
perience more than one sexual  dysfunction. For example, the presence of chronic genital
pain may lead to a lack of desire for the (p ainful) sexual activity. Lack of interest and
arousal during sexual activity may impair or gasmic ability. For some women, all aspects
of the sexual response may be unsatisfying and distressing.
Inadequate or absent sexual stimuli. When differential diagnoses are being considered,
it is important to assess the adequacy of se xual stimuli within the woman’s sexual experi-
ence. In cases where inadequate or absent sexual stimuli are co ntributing to the clinical pic-
ture, there may be evidence for clinical care , but a sexual dysfunction diagnosis would not
be made. Similarly, transient and adaptive alte rations in sexual functioning that are second-
ary to a significant life or personal event must  be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Comorbidity
Comorbidity between sexual interest/arousal problems and other sexual difficulties is
extremely common. Sexual distress and dissatis faction with sex life are also highly cor-
related in women with low sexual desire. Dist ressing low desire is associated with depres-
sion, thyroid problems, anxiety, urinary incontinence, and other medical factors. Arthritis
and inflammatory or i rritable bowel disease are also associated with sexual arousal prob-