Written by: Heejoo Shin
Edited by: Preeti Shaji
Introduction
Female orgasmic disorder is characterized by difficulty experiencing orgasm or markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations (DSM-V). Many factors can contribute to this disorder such as stress, anxiety, genetics, and environmental issues including relationship problems. Such obstacles can affect women where they may compare themselves negatively to other women or worry that their partner would be disappointed by their inability to orgasm (Orgasmic Disorder, n.d). Among 10% to 42% of females depending on many factors have orgasmic problems and around 10% of women do not experience orgasm throughout their lifetime (DSM-V). Women may face emotional distress as discussion regarding sexual dysfunction may create feelings of shame and embarrassment. Along with these negative emotions, societal taboos and stigma surrounding sexual dysfunction make it hard for women to seek help and delay treatment. Society (or cultural values, etc.) often downplay the idea that women “do not need orgasms for sexual satisfaction” compared to men who are “more deserving of orgasm” (Dienberg et al., 2023). However, orgasms play a central role in women’s sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and desire both in relationship and casual sex contexts.
Obstacles Leading to Prevention of Orgasm
To understand some of the causes that lead to the orgasmic disorder, a qualitative study by Khoei and colleagues was conducted on 20 Iranian married women who were interviewed to explore the “multidimensionality of women’s orgasm obstacles'' as the main category and subcategories: physical obstacles, psychological obstacles, relational obstacles, and contextual obstacles (Nekoolaltak et al., 2017). According to the responses of the participants, one participant answered that fear of pregnancy was an obstacle that didn’t allow her to enjoy her sexual relationship; three participants mentioned a lack of concentration where orgasms would rarely occur if they were involved in everyday activities that caused them daily stress; three participants weren’t able to perceive sexual pleasure due to quarrel causing spousal tension; two participants reported anxiety for recurrence of not being able to reach orgasm (Nekoolaltak et al., 2017). Although the participants did not use any drugs or medication, it is also considered a biological factor that would affect a woman's orgasm as well psychological obstacles that include fear of sex due to having a history of sexual trauma. All of these factors are considered when treating orgasmic dysfunction.
Importance of Orgasm for a Woman’s Sexual Pleasure, Desire, and Satisfaction
Orgasms are physiologically rewarding. Concerning sexual pleasure, an interview study was conducted among 18 black US students where they found a relationship between sexual pleasure and experiencing orgasm. Furthermore, in a different study where they interviewed young, heterosexual women, the participants described orgasms with the words pleasure, “most amazing feeling in the world,” and “peak pleasure" (Dienberg et al., 2023). Along with sexual pleasure, there is evidence that links orgasms to a woman’s sexual satisfaction. As such, women who orgasm more frequently are also more likely to be satisfied with their relationship and communicate better with their partners. It is also associated with “increased relaxation, improved sleep, pain relief, increased immune system, and positive mental health like decreased anxiety and depression” (Dienberg et al., 2023). Finally, orgasms allow for the desire to engage in sexual intercourse again to achieve satisfaction and fulfillment. Overall, it helps to validate a woman’s sexual experience and contributes to a positive sexual self-image which can boost their confidence.
Next Steps
There are many possible treatments such as lifestyle changes, therapy, and medicines that allow women to understand their bodies and livelihood. Mindfulness programs allow women to change a negative mindset regarding their body image or other responsibilities and create an opportunity to feel sexual desires and sensations. There are a series of exercises that can also help relationships practice communication and playfulness such as sensate focus which focuses on tactile stimulation; cognitive behavioral therapy helps to promote good sexual relations (“Anorgasmia in women,” n.d). It is imperative that women shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. Talking about sexual dysfunction with one’s partner or a professional should be more normalized as it can affect a woman’s wellbeing physically, socially, and emotionally.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.978089042559
Dienberg, MF., Oschatz, T., Piemonte, J. L., & Klein, V. (2023). Women’s Orgasm and Its Relationship with Sexual Satisfaction and Well-being. Current Sexual Health Reports, 15(3), 223–230. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-023-00371-0
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.) Anorgasmia in women- Diagnosis and treatment. Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorgasmia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369428
Nekoolaltak, M., Keshavarz, Z., Simbar, M., Nazari, A. M., & Baghestani, A. R. (2017). Women’s orgasm obstacles: A qualitative study. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine, 15(8), 479–490. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5653909/
Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers. (n.d.) Orgasmic disorder. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/orgasmic-disorder
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