Anorgasmia
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What Is Anorgasmia?
Anorgasmia is the delayed, infrequent, or complete absence of orgasm, or a significant reduction in orgasm intensity, despite sexual arousal and sufficient stimulation. Women who experience persistent difficulty reaching an orgasm and feel considerable distress about it may be diagnosed with anorgasmia.
The frequency and intensity of orgasms naturally vary among women and can differ for an individual from one experience to another. Additionally, the type and level of stimulation required to achieve orgasm can vary widely. The term female orgasmic disorder encompasses a range of orgasm-related difficulties. While "anorgasmia" specifically refers to the inability to achieve orgasm, it is often used as a general term for female orgasmic disorders. Anorgasmia can be classified into four different types based on its onset and occurrence:
Primary Anorgasmia: A woman has never experienced an orgasm in her lifetime.
Secondary Anorgasmia: A woman who previously had orgasms but later develops difficulty or an inability to reach climax.
Situational Anorgasmia: Orgasms occur only in specific situations (e.g., during masturbation but not with a partner).
Generalized Anorgasmia: The inability to orgasm in any situation, regardless of partner, stimulation type, or arousal level.
What Are the Causes of Anorgasmia?
Anorgasmia can generally be categorized into physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Physical causes are often due to hormonal imbalances - either low estrogen or testosterone levels—or changes due to menopause. Underlying gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and vulvodynia, can also be a contributing element. Other medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or cardiovascular disease, and side effects of certain medications may cause anorgasmia. Psychological and emotional factors play a large role in contributing to anorgasmia. Stress, anxiety, and depression can often contribute to orgasm-related difficulties. Along with low self-esteem or body issues, history of sexual abuse or trauma, and guilt or shame around sex. Relationship issues—poor communication with one’s partner about sexual needs, and lack of sexual education or understanding of one’s own body could all contribute to Anorgasmia condition.
If anorgasmia is persistent, significantly affects quality of life, or is linked to a medical condition, a healthcare provider—gynecologist, urologist, endocrinologist, or sex therapist can help tailor a treatment plan.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Anorgasmia?
The treatment of anorgasmia depends on the underlying cause, whether it is physical, psychological, or medication-related. Generally, since several factors contribute to anorgasmia condition, treatment often requires a multifaceted approach tailored to individual needs.
If the underlying cause is due to hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may be recommended. Estrogen therapy can improve blood flow, vaginal lubrication, and sensitivity. It is often used as a treatment for menopausal women, who suffer from a decrease in estrogen levels. In the case of low testosterone levels in women, Testosterone therapy could be prescribed as a way to enhance libido and sexual response. Also, evaluating and adjusting the patient’s medications, if applicable, would be assessed. For example, if SSRIs (antidepressant medication) are causing anorgasmia, switching to a lower-risk antidepressant may help. Reducing or changing blood pressure medications or antipsychotics under a doctor’s supervision can also improve sexual function.
Since psychological and behavioral factors play a large role in contributing to anorgasmia, psychological treatment is often recommended. Therapies such as sex therapy and counseling, or couples therapy can help address anxiety, past trauma, and relationship issues. Psychological therapy also helps to reframe negative thoughts about sex and intimacy. Regular exercise, healthy diet, and good sleep habits all aid sexual function, along with stress reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. In addition, experimenting with different techniques, positions, or fantasy exploration can improve pleasure. Using sex toys or vibrators may increase sensitivity and help achieve orgasm. Lubricants can also enhance comfort and pleasure—especially for women experiencing dryness.
If anorgasmia is persistent and significantly affects your quality of life, or is linked to a medical condition, a healthcare provider—gynecologist, urologist, endocrinologist, or sex therapist can help tailor a treatment plan.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Anorgasmia?
Well by Messer is a holistic metabolic health and wellness center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to various health conditions, including sexual health issues like anorgasmia. Our doctors adopt a holistic and personalized approach to address anorgasmia. We conduct a thorough assessment to identify underlying causes, including medical history, psychological factors, and lifestyle considerations.
Under our team of endocrinologists, led by Dr. Caroline Messer, we conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify and address underlying endocrine issues contributing to anorgasmia. In addition to our endocrinologist team, gynecologist, Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a certified menopause provider, focuses on gynecology, menopause, and sexual health. She offers specialized care for women experiencing hormonal changes that can contribute to anorgasmia. Dr. Jess Kovler is an award-winning psychologist specializing in cognitive, behavioral, and dialectic therapies. She addresses psychological factors contributing to sexual dysfunctions, offering therapies such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions. Finally, Dr. Aaron Grotas, is a board-certified urologist focusing on optimizing fertility and sexual health. He provides medical evaluations and treatments for physical causes of anorgasmia, including hormonal imbalances and neurological disorders.
Meet the Well by Messer (WBM) Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists, gynecologists, psychologists, nutritionists, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your success at our metabolic centers in Manhattan.
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