Female orgasmic disorder is a sexual dysfunctional disorder characterized by a marked delay in, marked infrequency of, or absence of orgasm as well as markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations. This means that the female has a significant delay, infrequent, and absence of orgasm, and reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations. The symptoms of which should have persisted for at least six (6) months and caused clinically significant distress in the individual.
It is reported that about 10% to 42% of females have orgasmic problems depending on multiple factors such as age, culture, duration, and severity of symptoms. Approximately 10% of women do not experience orgasm throughout their lifetime. Female orgasmic disorder can be lifelong or acquired. A lifelong female orgasmic disorder indicates that the orgasmic difficulties have always been present, whereas the acquired subtype would be assigned if the woman’s orgasmic difficulties developed after a period of normal orgasmic functioning.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
Female orgasmic disorder has no single cause several factors may contribute to the disorder
- Psychological factors, such as anxiety and concerns about pregnancy, can potentially interfere with a woman’s ability to experience orgasm.
- Relationship problems
- Physical health problems such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, pelvic nerve damage from radical hysterectomy, and spinal cord injury.
- Women with vulvovaginal atrophy (characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, and pain) are significantly more likely to report orgasm difficulties than are women without this condition
- mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety
- Sociocultural factors (e.g. gender role expectations, sexual experience, and religious beliefs)
- History of sexual abuse
- Poor body image
TREATMENT
- The treatment basically depends on the cause.
- Increase clitoral stimulation during sexual intercourse
- Treatment of any underlying medical conditions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Sex Therapy
- Couples Therapy: the couple has the opportunity to strengthen their communication skills, listening, emotional expression, and resolve any conflict that may influence the disorder.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Laan, E., Rellini, A.H.& Barnes, T. (2013). Standard operating procedures for female orgasmic disorder: Consensus of the International Society for Sexual Medicine. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 10(1):74-82
