What is it?
'Anorgasmia' simply means an absence of orgasm through sexual activity. Anorgasmia is very common. It has been estimated that only 25% of women experience orgasm with penetrative sex alone, with many others requiring additional clitoral stimulation. As many as 12% never attain orgasm.
Not being able to have an orgasm does not stop sex from being enjoyable or pleasurable. It only becomes a problem if the woman feels it is.
What causes it?
There are a number of reasons why a woman may not be able to experience an orgasm. These can include:
- Lack of arousal due to hormonal imbalance
- lack of arousal due to insufficient engorgement of the female genitalia
- lack of arousal to provide lubrication
- increase sensitivity to stimulation
- Lack of lubrication and changes to the lining of the vagina as a result of the menopause
- Psychological factors
As in men, the equivalent being erection, anorgasmia may also be the result of other conditions such as vascular disease or the impairment of the nervous system for various reasons.
Treatment
Physical causes of anorgasmia can in some cases respond well to treatment. For example using, water-based lubricant might help. Non-physical causes may be successfully treated with counselling or therapy.
You should not be embarrassed to talk with your doctor if you are having difficulties reaching orgasm (especially if you have not experienced difficulties in the past) as sexual problems can occasionally be an indicator of conditions which are more easily treated if found early.
