Anorgasmia In Women

Anorgasmia refers to a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to attain orgasm even after sexual stimulation. It is common among women and many of them do not volunteer to admit or treat the same. Frequency of orgasm and the amount of sexual stimulation needed to elicit orgasm differs from person to person. 

The intensity of orgasm also varies among women and it may undergo considerable change with age and other medical conditions. Psychotherapeutic methods help in reaching orgasm as desired by the person. Medications are used only to treat the underlying medical conditions that cause this sexual dysfunction.

Inability or difficulty in achieving orgasm and/or decreased intensity of orgasm are the main symptoms of Anorgasmia in women. A person may also have a long duration to achieve the intense physical pleasure even after a good sexual stimulation. There are different types of anorgasmia. 

• Lifelong anorgasmia refers to the condition in which the person has not experienced orgasm at all in their lifetime. 
• In acquired anorgasmia, the person feels difficulty in achieving orgasm. The person has experienced orgasm earlier.
• Situational anorgasmia refers to the dysfunction in which orgasm is achieved only during certain circumstances like oral sex. 
• Generalized anorgasmia have difficulty in reaching orgasm under any conditions. 

A number of physical and psychological factors cause anorgasmia in women. Some of the physical causes of the condition are: 

• Diseases – many diseases and conditions like diabetes, neurological diseases, and multiple sclerosis affect the sexual response. Hysterectomy and cancer surgeries also may affect sexual pleasures including orgasm. Painful intercourse affects the response of the person leading to anorgasmia. 
• Medications – Medications for hypertension, antihistamines, and antidepressants are known to affect orgasm. 
• Alcohol use – alcohol and smoking may limit the blood flow to the genitals at the climax and thus interferes with the feeling of intense pleasure. 
• Age – Age-related changes in hormones, nervous system, and anatomy, affects the sexual feeling during intercourse. Reduced estrogen levels during menopause affects the amount of blood flow to the genitals, thus delaying or interfering with orgasm. 

Many psychological issues also result in inability to attain orgasm. This includes: 

• Psychological conditions like depression, and anxiety
• Emotional stress
• Financial pressures
• Cultural and religious beliefs
• Fear of sexually transmitted infections
• Fear of pregnancy
• Different beliefs about sexual experience
• History of sexual or emotional abuse

Arguments and conflicts that are resolved between partners affect sexual experience. Intimate partner violence and infidelity in a relationship are also causative factors of anorgasmia. 

Anorgasmia in women is diagnosed based on review of sexual and medical history, and relationships of the person.

Doctor diagnoses sexual dysfunction based on the responses given by the person for questions on sexual experiences, medical history, and current relationships.

Physical examination is used to find underlying medical conditions that cause anorgasmia.

Anorgasmia in women is treated using a combination of lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and medications. Understanding the body better as to what causes ample sexual stimulation and orgasm helps to communicate it to the partner for a better experience. Lack of enough sexual stimulation may be one of the reasons for absence of orgasm in some women. 

Changing sexual positions or using indirect stimulation techniques may help to have ample stimulation to achieve orgasm. Using vibrator helps to trigger orgasm. Clitoral vacuum improves blood flow to the genitals and help in achieving orgasm. Fantasizing sex may be of help in some cases. Counselling to resolve problems in relationships helps to improve sexual experience. 

Those who have negative feelings and perspectives about sex can get help from cognitive behavioral therapy. Sex therapists offers sex education and help with behavioral exercises that reduce the issues relating to sexual experience. 

Treating the underlying medical condition that cause anorgasmia is important to have sexual orgasm. Stopping or changing medications that interfere with orgasm is also part of the treatment strategy. 

Vaginal creams and slow-releasing suppository placed in the vagina helps to increase the blood flow to genitals and improve the sexual experience. Sexual arousal is increased by estrogen therapy and testosterone therapy. 

Treating the underlying cause of sexual dysfunction is the best way to prevent anorgasmia in women.

Alternative and homeopathic remedies used in treatment of anorgasmia are yohimbine, ma huang, Tribulus terrestris, and caffeine. Other natural products like L-arginine supplements are also suggested in the treatment of the condition, but lack scientific evidence.

Lifestyle modifications are necessary in order to cope with anorgasmia in women.

Having a more realistic approach to sexual arousal is important to have orgasm.

Work on relationships and communicate properly regarding expectations on sexual experiences.

There are several risks and complications associated with Anorgasmia in women.

Anorgasmia may result in frustration and cause acute distress to the partners.

Lack of orgasm may also lead to relationship issues.