What is Anorgasmia?
Reaching orgasm might seem like a logical conclusion to sexual activity. However, it shouldn’t be taken for granted that an orgasm just happens. For some, waiting for that orgasm to happen feels like an impossible dream. Whether it’s lifelong, acquired or situational, if you are experiencing difficulty reaching an orgasm, your sex life can feel compromised.
More common than one might think, anorgasmia—the medical term for difficulty reaching orgasm—affects about 10-15% of women. It could feel quite frustrating if you are experiencing this sexual dysfunction, but the truth is there are a wide array of treatments available. Despair not, once you’ve seen a doctor and the cause has been established, you can be well on your way to reaching a (hopefully, mind-blowing) orgasm.
Symptoms of anorgasmia range from long delays to complete incapacity in reaching climax. If you take the time to sit back and think about what is required in order to achieve orgasm, it is actually a more challenging task than one might believe. A combination of sexual arousal, complete relaxation, ease and comfort with yourself or your partner, as well as a few other psychological or emotional factors all work in tandem to bring you to that climactic moment of your sexual activity. It is not just some stroke of luck that your body can take you to that euphoric state… it’s actually hard work for some women (and men)! It’s important to not feel ashamed or stigmatized about your body, and for most, releasing that negativity is the first step toward letting go and feeling comfortable having your body take the lead.
Maintaining your overall sexual wellness is a vital part in overcoming anorgasmia. First and foremost, getting to the root of the issue is a fundamental step that you and your doctor will work on together so as to properly assess the situation and treat it accordingly. For some, the correlation is straightforward, as anorgasmia can be linked to physical, emotional, and psychological factors, like the ones listed below:
Physical factors can include:
- Illness (diabetes, for example)
- Aging (low estrogen levels, loss of natural lubrication in the vagina)
- Medical treatments (such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or cancer surgeries)
- Other sexual dysfunctions (vaginal dryness, dyspareunia)
- Alcohol abuse
Emotional / Relationship factors can include:
- Poor communication
- Relationship conflicts, resentment toward partner
- Lack of connection with partner
- Domestic violence or abuse
Psychological factors can include:
- Stress
- Past sexual, physical, emotional abuse
- Negative self-image, embarrassment
- Cultural/ religious beliefs related to sexuality
- Mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety)
The medical field has made great strides in coming up with effective treatments for anorgasmia. From prescription medicine to sex therapy, the range is wide and the options varied. Two treatments that we practice at ELNA Sexual Wellness, the Orgasm Shot® and diVa Laser Therapy, encourage a more optimized sexual experience by stimulating tissue renewal around the clitoral and vaginal areas, as well as provide more lubrication to the genital area, which can in turn reduce painful intercourse. Whether it’s a conversation with a counsellor or a non-invasive shot, sometimes, restoring sexual performance just requires that you to take the first step… calling your doctor. Yes, it can be that easy.
