Difficulty Reaching Orgasm

Medical, physical and psychological reasons for not being able to reach an orgasm. Discover orgasm triggers.

Difficulty reaching orgasm Research estimates 12 per cent of women never reach a climax - and 75 per cent don't orgasm during intercourse. Is it a physical problem, an emotional block, or both? Psychosexual therapist Paula Hall takes a closer look.

Physical reasons

The most common physical cause is lack of adequate stimulation to the clitoris. The majority of women need direct touch to achieve orgasm, which often doesn't happen through intercourse alone.

The second most common factor is tiredness or general illness. Our bodies aren't machines - you can't get an orgasm just by pressing the right button. If you're feeling run-down, your body's priority is sleep and recuperation, not sexual gratification.

Medical reasons

There are some illnesses that make orgasm difficult. Broadly speaking they're vascular, neurological or hormone-deficiency disorders.

The problem could be a side effect of a particular medication. Very occasionally pelvic surgery can cause nerve damage and loss of sensation. If you think any of these conditions may apply to you, talk to your GP.

If, however, you're in good physical health and you're getting enough sleep, it's more likely there's some kind of psychological block.

Psychological reasons

Well-meaning friends may tell you to just "try to relax", but if it was that easy you'd have done it by now! The trouble is, these kinds of psychological blocks aren't rational - you can't simply "pull yourself together".

Below is a list of some of the most common types of problems women have talked about. See if any apply to you:

• Being a perfectionist. Sex has to be just right. The environment has to be just so and you have to be in the right mood.
• Fear of losing control. This is a character trait in many areas of your life, not just sexually.
• Poor self-esteem or body image. Worrying about whether your bum looks big rather than enjoying your physical sensations is a major passion wrecker!
• Shame or guilt about sexuality. This might be due to negative childhood messages or a sexual trauma.
• Distractions. Are the children asleep? Will the phone ring? Can the neighbors hear? Did I put the cat out? Did I email that report? Whatever the distraction, it means your mind is not on the job.
• Being a spectator. You know that saying, "A watched pot never boils" - well it's also true of orgasms. If you're waiting for the moment, you're not enjoying the moment.
• Relationship problems. You can't expect to have enjoyable sex with an enemy. If there's tension in your relationship, sort it out before you enter the bedroom.

Orgasm triggers

There are several ways in which you can help yourself achieve a more fulfilling sexual experience:

• Breathe deeply or pant to get oxygen to those tensing muscles.
• Arch your back or try a different position to maximize clitoral stimulation.
• Rhythmically squeeze your pelvic floor muscles.
• Escape into your favorite fantasy to block out any negative thoughts or distractions.

Further help

If some of these points have rung a bell for you, you may find that simply talking it through with your partner will help. You could also try some of the practical exercises on our site. These have tips and techniques that you can print out and try.

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It may also be helpful to get advice from a sex therapist or couple counselor via Relate or the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy. See related links.

Also, there are lots of self-help books available. Some recommended titles are:

A Woman's Guide to Loving Sex by Tricia Barnes and Lee Rodwell (Boxtree London) Becoming Orgasmic, Julia R Heiman, Leslie LoPiccolo and Joseph LoPiccolo (Piatkus London) Women Without Sex by Catherine Kalamis (Self Help-Direct Publishing)

Last reviewed: 10/05

Related Information:

• Get to Know Your Body
• The G-Spot
• Orgasms

Next: Sex Therapy

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