Medical Health Encyclopedia

Orgasmic dysfunction

Boredom and monotony in sexual activity may also contribute to secondary anorgasmia. Frequently, women are too shy or too embarrassed to ask for the kind of stimulation (and the timing of stimulation) that works best for them. This embarrassment can lead to dysfunction.

PREVENTION

Education about sexual stimulation and response, and healthy attitudes toward sex tend to minimize problems. The principle of taking responsibility for one's own sexual pleasure is also vitally important.

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Couples who realize that they must verbally and nonverbally guide each other in providing the stimulation that feels best will undoubtedly experience this problem less frequently.

It is also important to realize that one cannot will a sexual response, and the harder a woman focuses on willing an orgasm to happen, the more elusive the achievement of orgasm may become.

SYMPTOMS

The symptom of orgasmic dysfunction is an inability to reach orgasm in general or with certain forms of sexual stimulation

SIGNS AND TESTS

A physical examination is almost always normal. If the onset of the problem coincided with starting a medication, this should be discussed with the prescribing physician. Interviewing of the couple by a qualified specialist in sex therapy is helpful in gathering information about the causes.

TREATMENT

Treatment through education about the principles cited above has been found to be helpful. In the treatment of primary anorgasmia, the initial objective is to be able to obtain an orgasm under any circumstances.

Most women require clitoral stimulation to reach an orgasm. Incorporating this into sexual activity may be all that is necessary. If orgasm difficulties persist, individual teaching of masturbation when the partner is not present (to exert an inhibiting influence) may help the woman understand what she requires for excitation.