New York Times
Sunday Magazine
November 29, 2009
Dear Editor:
Daniel Bergner’s article in the Times magazine section, “Women Who Want to Want,” once again poignantly expresses both the deep distress felt by women with the loss of their libido as well as the complexity of understanding and treating the condition. Women’s loss of desire, while experienced sharply and distinctly, can be extraordinarily varied in both its primary cause, its contributing factors and in the range of treatment options.
Women’s sexual problems, of necessity, must be assessed by integrating the emotional, physical, chemical and psychosocial perspectives in order for us to be successful in treating them. Most often, as your article states, recommended treatment protocols are unilateral; the underlying assumption being that one “magic bullet,” should alleviate the problem. Often we find that this leaves women who have tried a single approach feeling as though they have failed; and more hopeless, resigned and unhappy.
Only with an integrated approach to diagnosing and treating women with female sexual dysfunction, more will have a better chance at achieving what they are looking for, a full and satisfying sex life. While critics may believe this is yet another “luxury” health problem, we’re certain none of them would want to settle for a tepid sex life. And if what we see in our practice is any indication, they’re in good company.
Bat Sheva Marcus LMSW, MPH, PhD
Clinical Director
Medical Center for Female Sexuality
2975 Westchester Avenue
Purchase, New York 10577
(914) 328-3700
260 East 66th Street
New York, New York 10065
(646) 839-0700
