Female anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm): causes and treatment

Possible causes and solutions to mitigate this type of sexual dysfunction.

Within the studies that have been done in the field of sexuality, there has been much talk about the sexual dysfunctionstheir origins and their diagnosis. In this paper I would like to make a contribution about one of the most common sexual dysfunctions: female anorgasmia. female anorgasmiaIts causes and possible treatments.

What is 'female anorgasmia'?

Defining it a little bit superficially, we could say that female anorgasmia is the inability or difficulty experienced by the inability or difficulty experienced by women to reach orgasm.. Or, as explained by Lopiccolo (1990), we can also define female anorgasmia as "the persistent difficulty or inability to obtain orgasm given adequate stimulation and a normal arousal phase".

A fact that we must keep in mind is that there are stages in which the woman feels the absence of orgasm for short periods. These periods can occur after an important event, for example after the woman has left the stage of childbirth and some physical damage has been detected; when conjugal relations are in crisis or when there are family problems, and so on. If all these events are not managed in the right way, they can lead to an absence of orgasm and the fact of not being able to fully enjoy sexuality. not being able to fully enjoy sexuality.

Female anorgasmia is relatively common: types of anorgasmia

It is estimated that 7% to 30% of women suffer from this type of disorder in its three categories (although some groups of scientists distinguish up to five categories). These different types of anorgasmia are:

• Primary anorgasmiarefers to women who have never had an orgasm.
• Secondary anorgasmiaoccurs in women who have had orgasms and then stopped experiencing them.
• Situational anorgasmiarefers to women who can only have an orgasm under certain circumstances.

Causes of Female Anorgasmia

Specialists in Medicine, Sexual Health and Psychology agree that female anorgasmia has two possible origins or causes:

Organic factors of female anorgasmia.

That is, those that have to do with alcohol consumption, drug abuse, organic problems (such as Rokitanksy Syndrome, hormonal problems or disorders in the endocrine system. We could say that these are general health problems.

Psychological factors of female anorgasmia

These factors refer to those linked to traumatic experiences, sexual abuse (in childhood or adolescence), rigid sexual education, self-esteem, etc.

The importance of culture

It is known that only 6 or 7% of female anorgasmia has an organic cause. organic cause. In the rest of the cases the cause is psychological (93% to 94%), and by means of psychological consultation and interview, its origin can be discovered.

We cannot forget the cultural and social factors and social factors that influence the onset of female anorgasmia. Not so long ago, it was believed that only women should satisfy their partners, denying that women could have any interest or sexual desire. sexual desire. This cultural heritage has not yet vanished completely in the West, and this can be a source of problems. In addition, shame, ignorance of the subject and taboos have caused many women of the past and of our days to continue suffering this problem in silence, without seeking efficient professional help to cure it.

Today, in certain parts of the world, a deeply sexist system is still maintained where this idea that women are the property of men and must satisfy them has a very negative effect on the lives of many people. In certain countries, both in Africa and the Middle East, clitoridectomy (removal or ablation of the clitoris) is practiced for cultural or religious reasons, which is nothing more than a symptom of the cultural roots that affect many women in many parts of the world (also in rich countries).

In part, these are the causes that cause many women to inhibit their ability to reach orgasm during sexual intercourseThis can translate into a picture of female anorgasmia.

Diagnosis

For a good diagnosis it is necessary to to go to a mental health mental health professional specialized in these disorders. Specialists affirm that 80% of the women who come for consultations manage to solve their problem of anorgasmia. During consultations, it is necessary to inquire about the personal history of the woman who experiences female anorgasmia, and obviously also to investigate what her sexual experiences have been like or were like throughout her life.

Treatment

Cognitive-behavioral therapies are effective. Few specialists recommend pharmacological treatment. pharmacological treatmentThey do so as long as there is organic damage that requires the use of a drug.

The role of the partner is also very important, since the emotional emotional supportThe fact that commitment and collaboration can increase the likelihood of treatment success plays a very important role in sexual relationships.

Rodes, Piqué and Trilla (2007) detail a table of sexual skills that most professionals recommend as homework. These recommendations are:

• Stimulate the woman to explore her body, especially her genital organs.
• During the practice of masturbation exercises, try to imitate the orgasmic response through sounds and movements.
• Receive manual stimulation of the clitoris by the partner, indicating movement and frequency.
• Manually stimulate the clitoris during the performance of intercourse.

Bibliographical references:

• Caballo, V. (2010). Therapy and Behavior Modification (2010). Faculty of Psychological Sciences, University of Guayaquil. Ecuador.
• Rodez, Pique, Trilla (2007). Health book of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and the BBV Foundation. BBV Foundation. Bilbao.
• Sánchez Hernández, Monje Hernández and Gándara (2005). Sexualidad Humana: una aproximación integral. Editorial Panamericana. Madrid.