Sexual Dysfunction: Orgasmic Disorder

The inability to reach orgasm can be exasperating for both men and women, and the reasons may be physical or psychological. For some women, orgasm may be experienced during masturbation, but not while having sexual intercourse, whereas men may reach their peak sooner rather than later. In all instances the problems which can occur from premature ejaculation, or no orgasm at all, can ultimately leave both partners feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

Orgasmic disorders may also co-exist with other disorders. For some women, the absence of orgasm may be due to the presence of another sexual dysfunction. If the individual has problems becoming aroused, it may be an obvious prediction that orgasm will not happen either.

Men may experience orgasmic dysfunction the same way a woman does; they can achieve orgasm via stimulation on their own or with their partner, although the event does not seem to happen so easily while having sex. Others have the contradictory problem of ejaculating much sooner than they had hoped. While the latter can be explained more easily, and controlled to a certain extent, the inability to ejaculate may be due to an underlying medical problem, and should therefore be reported to a physician for further scrutiny.

It is unusual that both partners have a sexual dysfunction such as orgasmic disorder, however, a disorder present in one party could also produce problems for the other. Due to a lack of understanding about sexual disorders, a woman, for example, may repeatedly have sex without experiencing orgasm, leaving her partner questioning his own performance. One would suspect that over time, this undiagnosed issue could have devastating effects on a gentleman's ego!

It may be the case that prior sexual abuse is the culprit, and a lack of desire or recurring memories of the abuse may leave an individual incapable of experiencing an orgasm. Therapy can help alleviate this anxiety, and once the root cause has been dealt with appropriately, the disorder may well be resolved.

For both genders, failing to reach orgasm may be easily explained by looking in the medicine cabinet. Although information brochures are distributed with dispensed medications for an array of ailments, most people would be ignorant of the side-effects that some medications produce. Illegal substances can also have a profound effect on one's sex life; the sedative affect of marijuana may be immediately gratifying, but trying to reach orgasm while inhibited by the drug can be close to impossible.

If a sexual disorder is suspected, professional help will be necessary. Therapists can provide education about various sexual problems, and suggest practices which may ease both the mind and body. It is important that both partners learn about the disorder; and to understand that there are remedies available to them. Anxiety and guilt can be reduced by identifying an associated trigger, or by seeking assistance for a substance abuse problem. The clinician may also suspect a medical issue and refer the client to a medical doctor for diagnosis and treatment. It is always essential to rule out that possibility before designing a treatment program for the couple.

While sexual dysfunction can cause major problems within a relationship, it is important to be open-minded to the possibility that a disorder does, indeed, exist. Any denial may promote further problems and leave both parties feeling rejected and incompetent. Communication and empathy can provide the first step to alleviating any psychological problems which are found to be the primary cause, and more often than not, the problem can be successfully treated.

Reference

Rathus, S.A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human sexuality in a world of diversity. (6th ed.) Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.