Female anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm): causes and treatment
Within the studies that have been done in the field of sexuality, much has been said about the sexual dysfunctions , its origins and its diagnosis. In this paper I would like to make a contribution about one of the most common sexual dysfunctions: female anorgasmia , its causes and possible treatments.
What is the 'female Anorgasmia'?
Defining it a bit above, we could say that female anorgasmia is the inability or difficulty experienced by the woman to achieve orgasm . Or, as Lopiccolo (1990) explains, we can also define female anorgasmia as "the persistent difficulty or inability to obtain orgasms given adequate stimulation and a normal excitement phase".
One fact that we must keep in mind is that there are stages in which the woman feels the absence of orgasm for small periods. These periods may occur after an important event, such as after the woman has left the stage of delivery and physical damage has been detected; when conjugal relationships are in crisis or when family problems occur, et cetera. If all these events are not managed in the right way, they can lead to an absence of orgasm and the fact of not being able to fully enjoy sexuality .
Female anorgasmia is relatively common: types of anorgasmia
It is estimated that 7% to 30% of women suffer from this type of disorder in its three categories (although some groups of scientists distinguish up to five categories). These different types of anorgasmia are:
- Primary anorgasmia : refers to women who never had an orgasm.
- Secondary anorgasmia : occurs in women who had orgasms and then stopped experiencing them.
- Situational anorgasmia : refers to women who can only have an orgasm under certain circumstances.
Causes of female Anorgasmia
The specialists in Medicine, Sexual Health and Psychology agree that female anorgasmia has two possible origins or causes:
Organic factors of female anorgasmia
That is, those that have to do with alcohol consumption, drug abuse, organic problems (such as Rokitanksy Syndrome, hormonal problems or disorders in the endocrine system.) We could say that these are general health problems.
Psychological factors of female anorgasmia
These factors refer to what is linked to traumatic experiences, sexual abuse (in childhood or adolescence), rigid sexual education, self-esteem, etc.
The importance of culture
It is known that only 6 or 7% female anorgasmia has a organic cause . In the rest of the cases, the cause is psychological (93% to 94%), and through the consultation and psychological interview can get to know their origin.
We can not forget the cultural factors and social factors that influence the appearance of female anorgasmia. Not so long ago, it was believed that only the woman should satisfy her partner, denying that the woman could have an interest or sexual desire . This cultural heritage has not yet vanished altogether in the West, and that can be a source of problems. In addition, the shame, the ignorance of the subject and the taboos have caused that many women of the past and of our days continue suffering this problem in silence, without seeking an efficient professional help for the cure of it.
Today, in certain parts of the world, a deeply macho system continues to be maintained where this idea that woman is the property of man and has to satisfy him affects very many people's lives very negatively. In certain countries, both in Africa and the Middle East, clitoridectomy (removal or ablation of the clitoris) is practiced, for cultural or religious reasons, which is only a symptom of the cultural roots that affect many women in the world. many places in the world (also in rich countries).
Partly, these are the causes that make many women inhibit their ability to achieve orgasm during sex , which can be translated into a picture of female anorgasmia.
Diagnosis
For a good diagnosis it is necessary go to a professional of mental health specialized in these disorders. The specialists affirm that 80% of the women that come to consultations arrive to solve their problem of anorgasmia. During the consultations, it is necessary to investigate the personal history of those who experience female anorgasmia, and obviously also investigate how they have been or what the sexual experiences were like throughout their lives.
Treatment
Cognitive-behavioral therapies are effective. Few are the specialists who recommend a Pharmacotherapy , and they do it as long as there is organic damage that requires the use of a drug.
The role of the couple is also very important, since the Emotional Support , commitment and collaboration can increase the chances of treatment success, have a very important role in sexual relations.
Rodes, Piqué and Trilla (2007) detail a picture of sexual skills that most professionals recommend as homework. These recommendations are:
- Encourage the woman to explore her body, especially her genitals.
- During the practice of masturbation exercises, try to imitate the orgasmic response through sounds and movements.
- Receive manual stimulation of the clitoris by the couple, indicating movement and frequency.
- Manually stimulate the clitoris during intercourse.
Bibliographic references:
- Horse, V. (2010). Therapy and Behavior Modification (2010). Faculty of Psychological Sciences of the University of Guayaquil. Ecuador.
- Rodez, Pique, Trilla (2007). Health book of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and the BBV Foundation. BBV Foundation Bilbao
- Sánchez Hernández, Monje Hernández and Gándara (2005). Human Sexuality: an integral approach. Panamericana Editorial. Madrid.
