Orgasmic Disorder - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is an Orgasm?

Orgasm, also known as "cum'’, is the fourth stage of sexual activity. During a sexual encounter, the sexual excitement gets collected, and at last, an altogether discharge occurs. Controlled by the autonomic nervous system, these produce a sense of sexual pleasure and rhythmical contractions of the pelvic muscles. In every individual, the frequency, duration, and intensity of orgasm differ. In some, orgasms can occur with minimal sexual stimulation, while some may require increased stimulation.

What Is an Orgasmic Disorder?

Inability or problems in attaining orgasm characterize orgasmic disorder, orgasmic dysfunction, or anorgasmia. Although the individual has been sexually aroused and there is adequate sexual stimulation, in orgasmic disorder, getting an orgasm is difficult or not possible. The orgasmic disorder impacts the relationship quality, psychological health, and self-esteem of that affected individual.

How Common Is Orgasmic Disorder?

The orgasmic disorder most commonly affects women and transgender people, with around 11 to 41 percent of women affected. However, it can also occur in men, in whom it is often seen as delayed ejaculation. Only about 5 to 10 percent of men are affected by delayed ejaculation.

What Are the Types of Orgasmic Disorders?

Depending on the situation in which anorgasmia occurs, it is divided into:

• General Anorgasmia: In this type, getting an orgasm becomes difficult despite the circumstances in which the sexual activity occurs. Anorgasmia occurs even though there is enough sexual arousal and sexual stimulation to achieve an orgasm.

• Situational Anorgasmia: This is the widely prevalent type of orgasmic disorder and pertains to a particular situation. For example, some people might find it challenging to have an orgasm during masturbation or oral sex.

Depending on the occurrence, anorgasmia is divided into:

• Primary Anorgasmia: When the individual has not had an orgasm throughout their life, it is called primary anorgasmia.

• Secondary Anorgasmia: In the case of secondary anorgasmia, although the individual had previous episodes of anorgasmia, they find difficulty reaching an orgasm.

What Causes Orgasmic Disorder?

Orgasmic disorder can occur due to several factors, including physical, mental, sexual, and relationship.

The following are the contributing factors for orgasmic disorder:

• In terms of men, the ejaculatory function declines with age. In women above the age of 45, the changes in the vagina and hormonal imbalances brought about by the yet-to-occur menopause create trouble in reaching orgasm.

• Previous gynecological surgeries like hysterectomy in women. And in the case of men, surgery like radical prostatectomy.

• Stress.

• Having a history of sexual abuse.

• Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cardiac problems, bladder disorders, cancer, multiple sclerosis, etc.

• Anxiety and depression.

• Problems in relationships.

• Fatigue.

• Reduced self-esteem.

• Having cultural and religious beliefs that stand out against getting an orgasm.

• Taking antidepressants by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antihypertensives, or chemotherapy.

• Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

• Having a feeling of guilt for enjoying the sexual activity.

• Reduced levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

• Vascular disorders hamper the blood flow to the sex organs.

• Feeling shy.

Despite all these factors, a previous episode of anorgasmia itself posts anxiety in the affected individual, thus worsening it further.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Orgasmic Disorder?

The following are the characteristics of an orgasmic disorder:

• Attaining orgasm takes a longer time than usual.

• Inability to reach orgasm.

• The orgasm attained seems unsatisfying.

How Is the Diagnosis of Orgasmic Disorder Made?

Diagnosis of the orgasmic disorder is made initially by taking the patient's personal history, sexual history, and medical history. Next, a physical examination of the genital organs is done to look for visible abnormalities. With the help of these, the doctor will be able to determine the cause of their orgasmic disorder. Identifying the reason for anorgasmia is essential to aid in appropriate treatment.

What Is the Treatment for Orgasmic Disorder?

Treatment for orgasmic disorder involves a causative approach. The following are the different modalities involved in the treatment of orgasmic dysfunction:

1. Treating Underlying Medical Conditions: If an underlying medical condition like diabetes, cardiac diseases, etc., is the cause of anorgasmia, then treating the condition can help improve orgasmic disorder.

2. Changing the Medications: Anorgasmia that occurs as a result of a side effect of a medication can be treated by switching to other drugs that do not produce this as an adverse effect. However, individuals must consult with their treating doctor before altering the drug or modifying its dose. Also, switching to other alternative treatments like psychotherapy in terms of depression can help withdraw from medication, but only at the physician's advice.

3. Couples Counseling: Couples who have contradictory thoughts or those with disagreements can be given couples counseling to come out of their relationship and sexual problems.

4. Hormonal Therapy: In women, if anorgasmia is caused by a reduction in the level of estrogen, then hormonal therapy using estrogen can produce fruitful benefits. With estrogen, blood flow to the genital organs is enhanced, thus improving sexual activity. Estrogen is available in pills, patches, rings, or gels. Although Testosterone therapy is given in some women to treat anorgasmia, it is not recommended.

5. Eros Therapy Device: These devices increase the blood flow to the genital organs by using a gentle vacuum around the clitoris, thereby helping achieve an orgasm. It can be held at hand.

6. Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises can be practiced to help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

7. Sexual Stimulation: Obtaining sexual stimulation by using sex toys is recommended during masturbation or sexual intercourse to arouse the individuals sexually to bring about orgasm.

8. Lubrication: In women with vaginal dryness, using lubricants or moisturizers can help in improving orgasmic dysfunction.

9. Speak Out With Partner: Having an open conversation with the partner about sexual likes and dislikes creates a sense of containment. Thus, it enhances their sex life.

How Can Individuals Prevent Orgasmic Dysfunction?

The below lifestyle modifications play an additive role in preventing orgasmic dysfunction:

1. Avoid smoking and alcohol.

2. Do regular exercises.

3. Maintain ideal body weight.

4. Avoid drugs.

What Is the Prognosis for Individuals Experiencing Orgasmic Dysfunction?

The inability to orgasm can be frustrating and may affect the relationship. However, with appropriate treatment, achieving climax is possible. It is important to understand that people are not alone; many women experience orgasmic dysfunction at some point in their lives.

Therapy can be particularly beneficial if an individual has orgasmic dysfunction. Individual or couples therapy can help them explore their views on sexual intercourse. A therapist can assist individuals and their partners in understanding each other’s sexual needs and desires better. Additionally, therapy addresses relationship issues and everyday stressors that may contribute to the difficulty in reaching orgasm. By resolving these underlying causes, individuals may find it easier to achieve orgasm in the future.

Conclusion:

Orgasmic disorder is characterized by failure to produce an orgasm. Physical, sexual, and psychological factors bring about anorgasmia, which can be best managed by identifying and treating the cause. If individuals feel like they cannot obtain an orgasm, it is advisable to consult with a doctor to improve their sexual life.