Understanding Anorgasmia

Orgasm is a complex physical, emotional and psychological response to intimate, sexual contact. Because it involves both body and mind, problems in either area can result in anorgasmia - the inability to reach a satisfactory climax.

What Causes Anorgasmia?

Physical factors that may cause anorgasmia include:

• Serious illnesses that affect both physical and emotional well-being
• A history of gynecological surgeries or disorders
• Medications that can inhibit orgasm, including blood pressure drugs, antihistamines and antidepressants
• Smoking, alcohol abuse and recreational drug use
• Decreased estrogen levels due to normal aging or hysterectomy

Psychological factors that may affect your ability to orgasm include mood disorders like anxiety or depression; stress and financial pressures; relationship problems or conflict; cultural/religious beliefs; low self-esteem or poor body image; and past sexual or emotional abuse.

Compassionate Diagnosis and Treatment of Anorgasmia

When a woman comes to us with symptoms of anorgasmia, our team of female sexual health professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a medical, surgical and sexual history and a physical exam to look for potential physical causes of her condition. The genitals will also be examined to look for any anatomical reasons that might be contributing to an inability to orgasm.

The treatments we recommend will depend on our findings during the evaluation and may include:

• Hormone therapy. For certain women, estrogen therapy may increase blood flow to the vagina and help improve sexual arousal. If anorgasmia began with the start of menopause, estrogen therapy may lessen symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes that can interfere with sexual enjoyment.
• Treat medical conditions. If a physical problem is discovered during the evaluation, our team will treat the condition or refer you to a specialist who can. Often, treating the underlying problem will resolve symptoms of anorgasmia.
• Individual or couples counseling. In addition to helping women work through any emotional issues related to their condition, our highly specialized psychologist and sex therapists can help you work through conflicts in your relationship, help with communication skills and teach you behavioral exercises to do at home.