ABSENT ORGASM (ANORGASMIA)

What is anorgasmia?

Anorgasmia is the inability or inability to orgasm even after having pleasurable and satisfying sex. It also denotes having less frequent or stronger orgasms than you would prefer. It’s a type of gender-neutral sexual dysfunction. It can negatively impact your mental state, leading to worry and unease, and potentially disrupting your interpersonal connections. Another name for anorgasmia is orgasmic dysfunction.

Orgasms, which are sensations of pleasure or sexual excitement that follow arousal, are also referred to as sexual climaxing. It could involve uncontrollable physical motions and feel like a release. Their length and intensity can change. To experience an orgasm, some people require more sexual stimulation, while others require less. 

You can still experience pleasure and have a desire for sex when you have anorgasmia. But because you are unable to experience an orgasm, you could experience mental pain or agony. Your doctor can suggest a course of treatment and assist in identifying the underlying cause of anorgasmia.

Anorgasmia in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB)

Anorgasmia in women or people assigned female at birth (also called female orgasmic disorder) is classified into four types:

Main (or permanent): You’ve never experienced an orgasm.
Secondary (or acquired): You can’t experience orgasms today, but you used to be able to. This is typical throughout menopause.
Situational: Only certain circumstances, such as while masturbating (self-stimulation), can cause an orgasm.

General: No matter what, even when you’re aroused or excited, you never experience an orgasm.

Orgasmic problems are more common in older adults, however they can strike anyone at any age. Of women or people AFAB, up to 15% say they have never experienced an orgasm.