Anorgasmia is the clinical term for the inability to achieve orgasm even after ample sexual stimulation, and it occurs much more often in women than it does in men. This issue can happen due to various reasons, such as taking certain medications, medical issues, or psychological issues.
If you are at peace with your lack of reaching orgasm and feel your sex life is healthy enough, then so be it. However, if you wish to get to the reason behind your inability to climax, there are steps that you and your partner can try.
What Are the Symptoms of Anorgasmia?
An orgasm is an overwhelming, intense feeling of physical pleasure and release of tension that is accompanied by involuntary contractions of the muscles in the pelvic floor. The way an orgasm feels varies from individual to individual and even can differ from orgasm to orgasm.
There are multiple types of anorgasmia, including the following:
- Generalized Anorgasmia – You cannot achieve an orgasm in any situation or with any partner.
- Situational Anorgasmia – You can only have an orgasm in certain circumstances. Reasons vary from person to person.
- Acquired Anorgasmia – You have had them in the past, but now are having trouble reaching climax.
Physical Causes of Anorgasmia
Health issues like MS, ALS, and Parkinson’s disease may interfere with a woman’s ability to have an orgasm. Other reasons are gynecological in nature and result from surgeries, like a hysterectomy or cancer. This is often accompanied by other concerns like uncomfortable or painful intercourse.
Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants, can wreak havoc on a person’s sexual performance and satisfaction. So can the normal aging process and changing hormonal levels.
Psychological Causes of Anorgasmia
There are many different psychological reasons why a person may develop anorgasmia. Some of them are:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Feelings of insufficiency
- Poor body image
- Low self-esteem
- Cultural issues
- Past sexual or emotional abuse
Sex therapy can help you overcome any of these mental obstacles that may be interfering with your ability to relax and have a healthy sexual relationship with your partner.
Treating This Condition
First, realize that you are not alone in experiencing this issue! Treatment is available – and a skilled counselor who practices couples therapy can help you determine whether it is due to a physical cause or a psychological cause.
Ask your partner to help, and be patient. Increase sexual stimulation – some women find that a certain position causes more stimulation and is more effective in achieving orgasm.
Sex Therapy in Montclair
If your attempts do not work, there is counseling available to help treat this phenomenon. It’s supposed to be fun and feel good – so if it doesn’t, it may be time to get marriage counseling to get your physical relationship back on track.
We are licensed in counseling and psychology, and we focus on keeping our clients comfortable even though they’re talking about a very uncomfortable subject.
Contact our team at Advanced Psychology Partners by calling us today at (973) 534-5333, or request a consultation by filling out our online form. Let us help you put the joy back in sex.
