Medical Health Encyclopedia

Orgasmic dysfunction

This may then be followed by a series of couple excercises that minimize performance anxiety and pressure, and maximize communication, increasingly varied and more effective stimulation, and playfulness. Gradually, these assignments make it possible for the woman to achieve orgasm with her partner.

Similar task assignments are usually part of the therapy for the woman with secondary or situational anorgasmia, but masturbation has not generally been found to be helpful as a treatment component with these problems.

In secondary dysfunction, relationship difficulties sometimes play a role, and thus treatment may also sometimes need to include communication training and relationship enhancement work.

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It is also important in treatment to ascertain that the problem is only one of anorgasmia, and that there is not also a coexisting problem with inhibited sexual desire. Sometimes hypnosis may also assist in increasing concentration, exploring and overcoming subconscious conflicts, and minimizing performance anxiety. Women's therapy groups focused exclusively on this problem have also been found to have some positive effect.

EXPECTATIONS (PROGNOSIS)

Success rates when orgasmic dysfunction is treated by specialists in sex therapy usually are in the range of 65% to 85%. In primary orgasmic dysfunction, treatment is usually successful in 75% to 90% of cases.

A positive prognosis (probable outcome) is usually associated with being younger, emotionally healthy, and having a loving, affectionate relationship with a partner.

COMPLICATIONS

When enjoyment does not accompany sex, it can become a chore rather than a mutually satisfying, playful, and intimate experience. When anorgasmia persists, sexual desire usually declines, sexual frequency wanes, and this may create resentments and conflicts in the relationship.

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