PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is one of the best kept secrets in medicine.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology it is the persistent or recurrent deficiency or absence of sexual desire or receptivity to sexual activity. The disorder peaks in women between forty and sixty years of age and it can affect as many as fifteen percent of women. In many cases it is situational: in cases of depression or chronic illness. There are medications that can cause it as well.

Treatment can vary. Psychological counseling can be quite helpful as well as the use of medications including antidepressants. There have been studies centering around the use of testosterone.

From my perspective, I think it is important that women and their partners be made aware this is a medical issue. Many people suffer in silence wondering if there is something wrong with them or fearing nothing can be done. The knowledge can be quite helpful.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor