Orgasm Disorder

What is orgasm disorder?

Orgasm disorder happens when you don’t have orgasms, it takes a long time for you to orgasm, you have orgasms less often than you’d like, or your orgasms aren’t as strong as you would like, and you feel sad, or worried about it. It’s one of the most common sexual problems.

What causes orgasm disorder?

Having an orgasm involves lots of things — your hormones, physical health, emotions, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle, and relationships. Problems with any of these can affect your ability to have an orgasm.

Causes of orgasm disorder can include:

• Anxiety or depression

• Stress

• Tiredness

• Problems with blood flow or the nerves in your sex organs

• Problems with your partner

• Issues with your body image

• Low sex hormone levels

• Medicines like antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and chemotherapy

• Medical problems like cancer, diabetes, heart problems, multiple sclerosis, or bladder problems

• Menopause

• Recently being pregnant, giving birth, or breastfeeding

• Sexual abuse or trauma in your past

Are there orgasm disorder treatments?

There are many different ways to treat orgasm disorder. Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Your doctor or nurse, like the staff at your nearest Planned Parenthood health center, can help you figure out the treatment that may work best for you. They’ll ask you about your health and any problems you may be having. They’ll also ask you questions about your sex life. Try to be as honest as you can about the problems you’re having: Doctors and nurses are experts, and they’ve seen and heard it all. 

Your doctor or nurse may also give you a physical exam and have blood drawn to check for any medical issues.

Treatment options include:

• Kegel exercises

• Talking with your partner about your likes and dislikes 

• You and your partner can sensually touch different parts of your bodies and see what turns you on.

• Exploring magazines, websites, and other entertainment that may turn you on

• Masturbating 

• Using sex toys

• Using genital lubricants or moisturizers (if you’re using condoms, choose a water-based lubricant)

• Reducing stress to improve your mood through things like meditation and breathing exercises

• Limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking and drugs

• Exercising regularly to improve your mood and give you more energy

• Physical therapy for your pelvic floor (the muscles around and near your genitals)

• Talking with a counselor who specializes in sex and relationship problems

• Estrogen — A ring, cream, or tablet that you put in your vagina (if you’re in menopause). This can make the muscles in your vagina stronger and stretchier, increasing blood flow and wetness.

• EROS Therapy Device:  A hand-held device for vulvas with a small plastic cup. It improves blood flow to your genitals, to help you have orgasms and increase vaginal wetness.