Changes in sexual desire can be difficult to explain, especially when an advertisement makes it sound as though everyone should want sex in the same way. A useful care conversation starts with whether the change bothers you, what else is happening and what support you want.
This guide covers care for low desire and related sexual-health concerns in BC. It also explains a Canadian Addyi label detail that can be missed when articles repeat older information.
The quick answer: Low desire is not automatically a disorder or a sign that you need medication. If it causes distress, a clinician can help explore the possible contributors. Care may involve addressing pain, reviewing medicines, counselling or treatment for a specific condition. Addyi is one prescription option for a defined group, not a universal libido treatment.
What concern do you want help with?
Desire, arousal, orgasm and pain are related but different concerns. You might be interested in sex but experience discomfort, or notice a change in desire alongside stress, fatigue or a medication change. HealthLink BC describes several possible contributors and a range of counselling and medical approaches.
You can open an appointment with: “My interest in sex has changed, and it bothers me. I would like help understanding why.” You do not have to use a diagnostic label. If erections are the main issue, our ED guide covers that care pathway.
Your own goals matter. An assessment should not begin from someone else's expectation about how often you should want sex.
What might the first appointment cover?
Be ready to discuss when the change began, whether it is consistent, whether pain or discomfort is involved, and what you would like to improve. Bring a list of medicines and supplements to the clinician. Ask whether other physical or mental-health concerns could be relevant.
You can request privacy, explain topics you find difficult to discuss, or bring a written note. If a physical examination is proposed, ask what it is for and what your options are. A partner may be involved when helpful, but you can ask for an individual conversation.
Before booking a private service, ask whether the first appointment is a broad sexual-health assessment or a consultation focused on one product. That distinction helps you choose a service suited to the question you actually have.
Care options in BC
| Starting point | What to ask before booking |
|---|---|
| Family doctor or nurse practitioner | Can this visit cover sexual-health concerns and a medication review? |
| Sexual-health or women's-health service | Which concerns are assessed, and is a referral required? |
| Counsellor or sex therapist | What training, approach, fees and benefit-plan eligibility apply? |
| Pelvic-health physiotherapy | Is the service relevant when pain or physical discomfort is the main concern? |
| Menopause-focused service | Does the assessment consider symptoms broadly, rather than assume one treatment? |
These are ways to compare service scope. Ask a clinician which route fits your circumstances. If a provider cannot address the concern, ask for a clear next step.
What the Canadian Addyi label currently says
Addyi contains flibanserin. The Canadian monograph revised November 25, 2025 covers adult premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal women aged 60 or younger with acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder under its specified criteria. The low desire must cause distress or interpersonal difficulty and not be explained by another medical or psychiatric condition, relationship problems or another drug's effects.
The same monograph says Addyi is not indicated for men or for enhancing sexual performance. It warns about low blood pressure, fainting and sedation, including risks with alcohol, certain interacting medicines and liver impairment. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications. A prescriber must assess suitability and a pharmacist should explain the individual instructions. See the Canadian product monograph.
Some older patient pages describe only a premenopausal indication. The current Canadian monograph should guide product-specific information; a US announcement or older summary may describe a different label.
Questions to ask if medication is discussed
- What diagnosis or contributing factor are we addressing?
- How would you judge whether the treatment is helping me?
- What non-medication options should I understand?
- How do my other medicines, alcohol use and health history affect the decision?
- What follow-up is included, and whom do I contact about concerns?
- What happens if I decide against medication or do not find it helpful?
Ask for the explanation in language you can use at home. You should be able to describe the proposed goal and follow-up plan without relying on a sales slogan.
Compare the full cost of care
A consultation, therapy sessions and a pharmacy prescription may be billed separately. Ask the clinic whether the visit is insured or privately billed in your circumstances. For counselling or physiotherapy, check the practitioner's designation against your benefits plan before assuming reimbursement.
For medication, ask the pharmacy for the exact DIN, quantity and total including dispensing. Check coverage directly with the insurer. A product being authorized or marketed does not establish whether your particular plan pays for it.
The useful comparison is a course of care: assessment, expected follow-up, medication if appropriate, and any other appointments. Ask what is optional and what is required. If a subscription is involved, request the cancellation terms before payment.
When to seek prompt help
Sudden severe pelvic pain needs prompt medical assessment. Pain with sex or other new symptoms are reasons to contact a clinician rather than assume the problem is simply low desire. For an emergency call 9-1-1; for non-emergency advice and care information in BC, call 8-1-1.
Your next step
Get the free sexual-health appointment planner to choose your questions and compare care options privately. You can also browse BC providers or request navigation help.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a normal amount of sexual desire?
There is no single frequency that everyone must meet. Describe what has changed and whether it is distressing to you, rather than measuring yourself against advertising or someone else's expectation.
Can I ask for help without wanting medication?
Yes. Tell the clinician that your goal is to understand the concern and discuss the available approaches.
Is Addyi the same thing as an ED medicine?
No. It addresses a different indication. Erection difficulty and low desire need to be distinguished during assessment.
Is the Canadian label limited to premenopausal women?
The November 2025 monograph also includes naturally postmenopausal women up to age 60 who meet its criteria. A clinician must assess the full indication and risks.
Free sexual-health appointment planner
Choose what you want to discuss, prepare questions about care and compare fees and follow-up. Complete the personal notes privately.
This guide provides general health information. A qualified clinician can help assess distressing changes in sexual function. Sources were checked September 6, 2026.