Anorgasmia is the persistent and consistent failure to attain orgasm (i.e. climax during sexual intercourse) even after adequate stimulation. It is more documented in females when compared to males and leads to personal distress. Nearly 10% of the men and around 30% of the women reported this problem. In females, it is called female orgasmic disorder.
Based on the symptoms, anorgasmia is classified into three types as below:
There are several causes of anorgasmia which are similar for both men and women.
Psychological problems: Performance anxiety is the most important psychological problem for anorgasmia. However, the other problems such as stress can be corrected in relatively short duration. Some persons may develop negative attitudes towards sex, either due to sexual abuse or rape which can be another cause for anorgasmia. Certain other perceptions such as monotonous sex life, boredom with the relationship and marital strife also contribute for anorgasmia. In others, it can be due to the fear of painful intercourse, fear of pregnancy, the undesirability of the partner, etc.
It is estimated that psychological problems are the cause for about 90% of the anorgasmia related cases.
Medical problems: Several medical conditions are also found to be associated with anorgasmia. They include diabetic neuropathy, radical prostatectomy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, genital surgery, pelvic trauma, hormonal issues (low levels of testosterone and thyroid), hypertension and chronic pain.
In males, the biggest risk factor is the use of antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
SSRIs can affect nearly 25% of the users in terms of attaining orgasm.
Alcohol or drug abuse (opioids and heroin) can cramp your ability to the climax of sex.
During the aging process, several changes occur in your hormones, anatomy, the neurological and circulatory system which can affect your sexuality. While reaching menopause, estrogen levels get tapered which reduces circulation to the genitals, either delaying or stopping orgasm.
Initially, your doctor will ask about your sexual history, current relationship, and surgical history. Do not hesitate to answer these questions, as they provide a clue to your doctor about your problem.
Following this, a physical examination is performed to check if the underlying cause is any medical condition or if there is any physical or anatomical reason for anorgasmia.
Confirmatory diagnosis of anorgasmia is done by performing several blood tests. A detailed neurological examination, evaluation of the hormonal levels, sugar levels in the blood and genital blood flow is performed.
A sexual therapist can best manage orgasm problems. The success rate for the anorgasmia treatment is about 80-90% while for secondary anorgasmia it is 10-75%. You must consult your doctor if you have the problem of reaching orgasm.
Anorgasmia cannot be treated completely if the nerves supplying genitals are damaged.
It can be frustrating for both the partners if either of them is having the problem to reach orgasm. Most of you might be having an opinion that sex is more or less van-rocking or earth-shaking as telecasted in movies. But this is not true. So come out of such expectations. Instead of thinking about orgasm, focus on mutual pleasure. You will experience a sustained pleasure plateau which is as satisfying as the orgasm.