Did you know that female orgasmic dysfunction affects about 21% of women? Female orgasmic disorder - or anorgasmia - is more than having difficulty orgasming. It's a disorder that can make any type of female orgasm impossible. However, that is completely normal for some women. Women come in all shapes and sizes, and some orgasm, and some don’t. And that is ok.
Keep reading if you think you are suffering from female orgasmic disorder.
In this article, we're going to cover the following:
What Is Anorgasmia (Female Orgasmic Disorder)?
Anorgasmia is a medical term that literally translates to "the absence of orgasms." In other words, it is a condition that makes it difficult for someone to experience an orgasm.
By definition, an orgasm is the release of involuntary pelvic floor contractions that occur at the height of sexual arousal. It's the body's way of releasing pleasure.
Those who have difficulty reaching an orgasm despite having adequate arousal and stimulation have orgasmic dysfunction/disorder.
Orgasmic Dysfunction Symptoms
If you have never experienced an orgasm or had consistent trouble with obtaining an orgasm, you may have anorgasmia.
Overall, there are four kinds of orgasmic disorders in women:
- Delayed orgasm
- Absence of orgasm
- Fewer orgasms
- Less-intense orgasms
No matter the kind of orgasmic dysfunction you're experiencing, your sexual health is important. You should talk to a physician who can help you navigate your concerns.
What Are the Types of Anorgasmia?
There are four different types of anorgasmia that physicians have categorized based on how patients present. These are:
- Primary orgasmic dysfunction
- Secondary orgasmic dysfunction
- General orgasmic dysfunction
- Situational orgasmic dysfunction
Each condition has its own concerns and solutions. But, your situation is unique, no matter which type of anorgasmia you have.
If you are diagnosed with anorgasmia, you will likely fall into one of these categories:
Primary Orgasmic Dysfunction
Primary orgasmic dysfunction refers to a condition in which a patient has never been able to have an orgasm. It implies that there is a physiologic cause - something unique with your body - that inhibits your ability to orgasm at all.
Not having an orgasm for a long time doesn't count under this category. (We'll talk about that next.)
Read more: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder symptoms
Secondary Orgasmic Dysfunction
Secondary orgasmic dysfunction means that something external is inhibiting your ability to achieve orgasm. It refers to an underlying condition such as diabetes or vascular disease that impairs one's ability to orgasm. It assumes that a person has had an orgasm before but now has difficulty experiencing one.
General Orgasmic Dysfunction
General orgasmic dysfunction refers to a condition in which a patient cannot have an orgasm despite experiencing adequate arousal and stimulation. Patients who can't have orgasms, no matter what, fall into this category.
Situational Orgasmic Dysfunction
Situational orgasmic dysfunction refers to a condition in which a patient cannot have an orgasm in particular situations. This kind of female orgasmic disorder is the most common.
These "situations" may include oral stimulation, stimulation via insertion, and finger stimulation. These patients may find that they cannot orgasm in these situations even if the stimulation provides an adequate level of arousal.
Read more: Viagra for women price
What Are the Causes of Female Orgasmic Dysfunction?
There is no primary cause of anorgasmia in women. Unfortunately, sexual health issues like this one haven't gotten a lot of research due to the nature of the study.
However, physicians and researchers have found several factors that may contribute to and exacerbate orgasmic dysfunction:
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, and anxiety
- Some medications, including antidepressants
- History of gynecological surgeries
- A history of sexual abuse
- Relationship strain
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Limiting religious and cultural beliefs about sex and sexuality
You may have heard that the rate of orgasms decreases as we get older. Some researchers believe that this may be due to structural or hormonal changes, while others believe that it may be due to sexual satisfaction.
Recently, women have been challenging this statistic. In fact, a study in the Independent found that women aged 36 and older reported more frequent and more satisfying orgasms.
These days, women are more likely to communicate their desires. The social idea around sex has changed to accommodate the wants of both partners, and it's paying off.
Read more: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder treatments
How To Treat Female Orgasmic Disorder
If you're looking at improving your sex life with anorgasmia treatment, you need to start by considering the underlying issue. When you speak with your physician, they're going to help you identify what's causing your orgasmic dysfunction.
From there, you two can think about ways to address the issue(s). Orgasmic dysfunction treatment may include the following:
- Sex therapy
- Couples counseling
- Hormone therapy, including estrogen creams, patches, or pills
- Trying lotions, oils, and other substances
Sometimes treatment can take some trial and error. It can be difficult for physicians to pinpoint the specific cause of orgasmic disorder Some patients become exhausted with female orgasmic disorder treatment. Some give up because of the frustration that comes with failed treatments.
If you're getting treatment for orgasmic disorder, you should remain patient. It may take multiple tries.
Do You Need To See a Doctor for Female Orgasmic Disorder?
Female orgasmic disorder can become overwhelming. The longer it takes for you to reach orgasm, the more frustrated you may become with sexual experiences.
If you're becoming frustrated with your inability to orgasm or difficulty with orgasming, you should talk to your primary health provider. They can help you get the treatment you need for healthy and pleasurable sex life.
References
UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.- Orgasmic dysfunction: Everything you need to know
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324112 - Orgasmic Dysfunction
https://www.healthline.com/health/orgasmic-dysfunction - Female sexual dysfunction
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-sexual-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20372549
