Nonexistance of sex drive

Intersting question and answer that caught my attention:

Question
I’m a normal healthy woman, but I have never really had a sex drive. I love my partner but I find it difficult to have sex with him I have also experienced this with another partner. I am very lacking in confidence, and would rather run away at the thought of sex. For some reason it scares me. I don’t know why, as I have never been sexually abused, although I have been physically abused. I would love to know how could I improve my sex drive and my confidence, and be able to enjoy myself – instead of curling up into a little ball and dreading it. I do fancy my partner and I do love him very much.

Answer
David writes: I note that you are only 21. Quite a few women of your age feel pretty much as you do. The first thing for you to do is to get some free, commonsense counselling from a woman doctor at a Family Planning Clinic – where they are used to dealing with this problem daily. If you need more specialised advice, they'll tell you. I wish you the very best of luck Christine adds: I agree that a Family Planning Clinic would be the best place to start. The women doctors there are usually very easy-going, and relaxed - and expert. I also think you need to be kind to yourself. You say you have no reason to be as you are because you 'have never been sexually abused'. But you go on to say that you have been physically abused. I guess this was by a man - though perhaps it's wrong of me to assume that - but if it was, then this could have quite an impact on any closeness with men, as it may be that – deep down – you expect to be harshly treated. Anyway, please see the Family Planning doctor and do tell her about the physical abuse.Can I also suggest that you could help yourself a great deal by building up your self-esteem? To that end, there is a self-esteem test on this site that I recommend you try . If your score is on the low side - which I suspect it will be - you'll find there's quite a lot of advice given which should help you. The most important thing here, I feel, is that you feel strongly motivated to improve things. This is really good. So now you've emailed us, please take the next step towards a happier life by making an appointment at your local Family Planning Clinic. Good luck.
Yours sincerely
Dr David Delvin, GP and Christine Webber, sex and relationships expert