women s health issues
Orgasmic Disorder in Women
Introduction
Orgasmic disorder is lack of or delay in sexual climax (orgasm) or orgasm that is infrequent or much less intense even though sexual stimulation is sufficient and the woman is sexually aroused mentally and emotionally. Some women do not have or have trouble having an orgasm. Women may not have an orgasm if there is consistently insufficient foreplay, early ejaculation by the partner, or poor communication about sexual activity preferences. Women with orgasmic disorder may have other types of sexual problems, such as pain during sex and involuntary contraction of the muscles around the opening of the vagina when entry into the vagina is attempted. Doctors diagnose orgasmic disorder based on the woman's description of the problem and specific criteria. Women are encouraged to try self-stimulation (masturbation), and for some women, psychological therapies are helpful. (See also Overview of Sexual Function and Dysfunction in Women .) The amount and type of stimulation required for orgasm varies greatly from woman to woman. Most women can reach orgasm when the clitoris is stimulated, but fewer than half of women regularly reach orgasm during vaginal intercourse. About 1 of 10 women never reaches orgasm, but some of them nonetheless consider sexual activity to be satisfactory. Many women with orgasmic disorder cannot have an orgasm under any circumstances, even when they masturbate and when they are highly aroused. However, if a women does not have an orgasm because she is not sufficiently aroused, the problem is considered an arousal disorder, not an orgasmic disorder. Inability to have an orgasm is considered a disorder only when the lack of orgasm distresses the woman. 