Anorgasmia

Anorgasmia: Causes and Impact on Life

Anorgasmia is a condition in which a person has difficulty reaching orgasm or is unable to experience orgasm at all, even when enjoying intimacy. This disorder may manifest as infrequent or less intense orgasms than expected, and it’s also a sexual dysfunction and can affect both women and men; and although the risk of anorgasmia increases with age, it can occur at any age.

This condition is often accompanied by emotional tension, stress and anxiety, and can negatively affect relationships with a partner. At the same time, sexual desire and the ability to receive pleasure are preserved, but the lack of orgasm can cause dissatisfaction and psychological discomfort. It is important to take into account that anorgasmia requires an individual approach to diagnosis and treatment.

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Anorgasmia in Women and People Assigned Female Sex at Birth

• Primary (congenital): A complete lack of experience of orgasm throughout life.

• Secondary (acquired): The ability to achieve orgasm has been lost after a certain period, which is often associated with age-related changes, including menopause. Situational: Orgasm is only possible under certain circumstances, such as during masturbation.

• General: Inability to experience orgasm under any conditions, even when aroused and sexually stimulated. 

Statistics show that about 15% of women have never experienced an orgasm.

Anorgasmia in Men and People Assigned Male Sex at Birth

Anorgasmia in men and people assigned male sex at birth is considered a type of sexual dysfunction known as delayed or suppressed ejaculation. This condition can cause difficulties in intimacy, reduce satisfaction with sexual activity, and provoke anxiety and avoidance of sexual intimacy.

There are two types of anorgasmia in men:

Primary: Orgasm or ejaculation has never occurred throughout life.

Secondary: Orgasm or ejaculation is only possible under certain conditions.

Ejaculation is a complex process involving the interaction of hormones, nervous system, internal organs, and psychological state. Disturbances in any of these components can lead to difficulty achieving orgasm. In addition, certain diseases and medical conditions can also negatively affect this process.

Main Causes of Anorgasmia

Physiologic factors

Anorgasmia can be associated with physical causes, such as chronic diseases like diabetes or cardiovascular abnormalities; while hormonal disorders, including low testosterone or estrogen levels, can also affect the ability to experience orgasm. In addition, taking certain medications, such as antidepressants and sedatives, can lead to decreased sexual sensitivity. Trauma and surgery involving the genital area are equally important factors.

Psychological causes

Emotional state plays a significant role in the occurrence of anorgasmia; as constant stress, anxiety and depression can suppress sexual desire and prevent the achievement of orgasm. In this sense, problems in relationships, lack of emotional intimacy with a partner or internal conflicts can also become an obstacle to sexual satisfaction. Additionally, negative sexual experiences, psychological traumas and fears related to intimacy often have a lasting impact on perceptions of sexual activity.

Social and cultural factors

An upbringing based on strict and conservative views of sex can shape negative attitudes about sexuality. In this sense, the lack of information about sexual health and lack of sexuality education also often lead to difficulties in achieving orgasm.

All of the above reasons can act both separately and in combination, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of anorgasmia. Therefore, an individualized approach, taking into account physical, psychological and social aspects, is necessary to solve this problem.

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Signs of Anorgasmia

The main sign of anorgasmia is the inability to achieve orgasm. The symptoms can also include a significantly delayed onset of orgasm, when it takes a long time to achieve it; or lack of satisfaction from the sexual discharge received.

Effects of Low Testosterone on Anorgasmia

Decreased testosterone levels can make it difficult for men and people who were assigned the male gender at birth to achieve orgasm. This condition is often accompanied by problems such as erectile dysfunction or delayed ejaculation. In addition to testosterone, other hormones, such as prolactin, can affect sexual function, which can also cause intimacy disorders.

Impact of Relationship Problems on Orgasm Difficulties

Difficulties in your relationship with your partner can be a significant obstacle to achieving orgasm; as lack of emotional intimacy, unresolved conflicts and the inability to openly discuss sexual preferences and needs often lead to a deterioration in intimacy. Other factors such as mistrust, infidelity and incidents of emotional or physical abuse can also cause tension that interferes with sexual harmony. An additional factor may be sexual dysfunction in the partner, such as erectile problems, which create barriers to satisfaction for both partners.

Relationships as a Cause of Anorgasmia

If your sex life involves interaction with your partner, relationship problems can be a serious obstacle to achieving orgasm; since constant quarrels, conflicts or unresolved problems in a couple can undermine self-confidence and reduce sex drive. Even in the absence of obvious disagreements, being uncomfortable discussing one's preferences or being unable to talk openly about difficulties with orgasm can create barriers to sexual satisfaction.

Anorgasmia Prevention: Is it Possible to Avoid the Problem?

Although anorgasmia is not always preventable, eliminating its causes and dealing with the problem in a timely manner can significantly improve the situation. In this sense, following some guidelines can help you cope with this condition and improve the quality of your intimate life.

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor if you have chronic diseases. 

• Discuss your desires and preferences in sex with your partner to create a trusting atmosphere. 

• If you are facing emotional or psychological difficulties, don't delay in seeing a professional. 

• Regular physical activity and a balanced diet also help improve your overall health and sexual health.

Many people feel embarrassed or self-conscious about the problem, but it is important to realize that anorgasmia is quite common and should not be a cause for shame. If you are experiencing these feelings, be sure to talk to a doctor who can help you understand the situation and, if necessary, refer you to specialists with experience in treating sexual dysfunction.

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When should I see a doctor?

If you are concerned about difficulties in achieving orgasm, you should consult a doctor; a specialist can help you identify the possible causes of the problem and help you find an appropriate solution. Additionally, you should be honest when discussing your sexual and medical history, including your relationship with your partner. Do not be shy or afraid to seek help - it is an important step towards identifying the causes and restoring a full intimate life.

What is considered an orgasm?

If you're wondering how to recognize orgasm during sexual activity - alone or with a partner - it's important to understand that there is no one right way to achieve it. The sensations during orgasm are individualized and can vary greatly from person to person.

Typically, orgasm is accompanied by a vivid sense of physical pleasure and release of tension. It may include involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, deep breathing, a feeling of warmth in the body and general relaxation. However, because orgasm is a purely personal experience, its manifestations can vary and there is no single formula for defining it.