Orgasmic Disorder
Orgasmic dysfunction is the inability for an individual to reach orgasm during sexual stimulation. This disturbance must cause marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. This dysfunction is not better accounted for by another psychological condition, the direct physiological effects of a substance or another general medical condition. A person may be diagnosed with Female Orgasmic Disorder or Male Orgasmic Disorder, though it is less common for men. The condition is referred to as primary when the female has never experienced orgasm through any means of stimulation. It is called secondary if the woman has attained orgasm in the past but is currently non-orgasmic.
For men, the disorder might present itself as an inability to reach orgasm during sexual intercourse or as ejaculation only after prolonged intense non-intercourse stimulation.
Causes
About 10 to 15% of women have never had an orgasm. Surveys suggest that up to one-half of women are not satisfied with how often they reach orgasm.
Sexual response involves the mind and body working together in a complex way. Both need to function well for an orgasm to happen.
Many factors can contribute to orgasmic dysfunction. They include:
- A history of sexual abuse or rape
- Boredom in sexual activity
- Certain prescription drugs, including common drugs used to treat depression, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)
- Hormonal disorders, hormone changes due to menopause, and chronic illnesses that affect health and sexual interest
- Fatigue and stress
- Negative attitudes toward sex (often learned in childhood or adolescence)
Symptoms
The symptom of orgasmic dysfunction is being unable to reach orgasm, taking longer than you want to reach orgasm, or having only unsatisfying orgasms.
The symptom of orgasmic dysfunction is being unable to reach orgasm, taking longer than you want to reach orgasm, or having only unsatisfying orgasms.
