Persistent low sexual desire bedevils many women—and their partners. The one drug approved for low desire in women, Addyi (flibanserin), is not particularly effective and has possibly problematic side effects. Meanwhile, a growing body of research shows that two easy-to-implement psychological approaches often help: mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. A recent study adds to the evidence in favor of both.

German researchers worked with 51 cis-women who complained of low libido. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 69 (average 39). More than three-quarters said they were heterosexual and involved in monogamous relationships. Half were married. Half had children. Their education ranged from vocational training to graduate degrees. Half worked full-time. The rest worked part-time or were students, homemakers, or retired. (The researchers did not specify the women’s race/ethnicity.)

The participants worked their way through an eight-week online program that included text, illustrations, audio recordings, and videos. Half the material provided sex education, while the other half introduced them to either mindfulness-based therapy (MBT, 24 women) or cognitive........

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