Orgasmic Dysfunction in WomenSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Orgasmic Dysfunction in Women
Orgasmic dysfunction is when a woman either cannot reach orgasm, or has trouble reaching orgasm when she is sexually excited.
When sex is not enjoyable, it can become a chore instead of a satisfying, intimate experience for both partners. Sexual desire may decline, and sex may occur less often. This can create resentment and conflict in the relationship.
Inhibited sexual excitement; Sex - orgasmic dysfunction; Anorgasmia; Sexual dysfunction - orgasmic; Sexual problem - orgasmic
About 10% to 15% of women have never had an orgasm. Surveys suggest that up to one half of women are not satisfied with how often they reach orgasm.
Sexual response involves the mind and body working together in a complex way. Both need to function well for an orgasm to happen.
Many factors can lead to problems reaching orgasm. They include:
- A history of sexual abuse or rape
- Boredom in sexual activity or a relationship
- Fatigue, stress or depression
- Lack of knowledge about sexual function
- Negative feelings about sex (often learned in childhood or teen years)
- Shyness or embarrassment about asking for the type of touching that works best
- Partner issues
Health problems that can cause problems reaching orgasm include:
- Certain drugs that are prescribed. The most common drugs used to treat depression (SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may cause this problem. These include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft).
- Hormonal disorders or changes, such as menopause.
- Chronic illnesses that affect health and sexual interest.
- Chronic pelvic pain, such as from endometriosis.
- Damage to the nerves that supply the pelvis due to conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic nerve damage, and spinal cord injury.
- Spasm of the muscles surrounding the vagina that occurs against your will (vaginismus).
- Vaginal dryness.
The symptoms of orgasmic dysfunction include:
- Being unable to reach orgasm
- Taking longer than you want to reach orgasm
- Having only unsatisfying orgasms
Important goals when treating problems with orgasms are:
- A healthy attitude toward sex, and education about sexual stimulation and response
- Learning to clearly communicate sexual needs and desires, verbally or non-verbally
How to make sex better:
- Get plenty of rest and eat well. Limit alcohol, drugs, and smoking. Feel your best. This helps with feeling better about sex.
- Do Kegel exercises. Tighten and relax the pelvic muscles.
- Focus on other sexual activities, not just intercourse.
- Use birth control that works for both you and your partner. Discuss this ahead of time so you aren't worried about an unwanted pregnancy.
- If other sexual problems, such as lack of interest and pain during intercourse, are happening at the same time, these need to be addressed as part of the treatment plan.
Discuss the following with your provider:
- Medical problems, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis
- New medicines
- Menopausal symptoms
The role of taking female hormone supplements in treating orgasmic dysfunction is unproven and the long-term risks remain unclear.
Treatment can involve education and learning to reach orgasm by focusing on pleasurable stimulation and directed masturbation.
- Most women require clitoral stimulation to reach an orgasm. Including clitoral stimulation in sexual activity may be all that is necessary.
- If this does not solve the problem, then teaching the woman to masturbate may help her understand what she needs to become sexually excited.
- Use of a mechanical device, such as a vibrator, may be helpful to achieve orgasm with masturbation.
Treatment may include sexual counseling that includes a series of couples' exercises to:
- Learn and practice communication
- Learn more effective stimulation and playfulness
Utah Valley Hospitalists
Dr. Julie Grover is an OB/GYN Hospitalist at Intermountain Health’s Utah Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology in Provo, Utah. She supports patients throughout Utah County, caring for patients who don't have their own doctor at Utah Valley Hospital, by responding to emergency situations, assisting other doctors when needed, and accepting high-risk patients transported from outlying hospitals. She treats normal and high-risk pregnancy, complications of pregnancy including preeclampsia, bleeding disorders, preterm labor, infections, and others.Dr. Grover has been a busy general OB/GYN, having practiced for 23 years. In April 2025, she shifted to a laborist position to have more family and personal time. With this change, she remains dedicated to delivering high-quality and considerate care to women in various circumstances.When not working, the Provo, Utah native enjoys hiking in Utah’s glorious mountains, practicing yoga, traveling to interesting places, and playing with her dogs. She has five biological children, two officially adopted, and a few unofficially adopted people she considers her children.Conditions Treated: Normal and high risk pregnancyComplications of pregnancyPreeclampsiaBleeding disordersPreterm laborInfectionsProcedures Performed: Normal vaginal deliveriesForceps deliveriesCesarean sectionsTubal ligationExternal cephalic versionAny other obstetric procedures needed. Dr. Grover is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orgasmic Dysfunction in Women. She is also highly rated in 21 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Painful Menstrual Periods, Menorrhagia, Menopause, Intrauterine Device Insertion, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Dr. Grover is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology. Dr. Grover is currently accepting new patients.
Texas Health Womens Care
Dr. Tina Thai was born and raised in Texas, spending much of her early years in the Austin area before starting her undergraduate studies in Killeen, Texas. She later earned her medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Fort Worth. She completed her Ob/Gyn residency at Texas Tech University Health Science Center Permian Basin in Odessa, where she was chief resident in her final year of training. Dr. Thai has served the women’s care needs of the Plano community since 2021. She evaluates and manages a broad range of obstetrical and gynecological concerns and is skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic-assisted surgeries. Dr. Thai is a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and American Medical Association. When not with her patients, she enjoys spending time with her husband and fur baby, Buddy, playing tennis, and doing arts and crafts projects. Dr. Thai is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She is also a member of the American Congress of Obstetricians & Gynecologists and American Medical Association. Dr. Thai is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orgasmic Dysfunction in Women. She is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Solitary Fibrous Tumor, Carney Complex, Intestinal Leiomyoma, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Salpingo-Oophorectomy.
Texas Health Womens Care
Dr. Anndale Goldston has served the health care needs of North Texas women since 2019. She is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and fellowship-trained in advanced gynecologic surgery with a focus on robotic-assisted and minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures, including pelvic surgery for uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and abnormal uterine bleeding. Prior to joining Texas Health Women’s Care, Dr. Goldston served as a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.Dr. Goldston earned her medical degree from the UT School of Medicine at San Antonio. She completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at UT Southwestern Medical Center/Parkland Hospital in Dallas before going on the complete her advanced gynecologic surgery fellowship at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. Dr. Goldston is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. Additionally, she is a member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Dr. Goldston is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Orgasmic Dysfunction in Women. She is also highly rated in 3 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Gonorrhea, Menorrhagia, Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods, Intrauterine Device Insertion, and Hysterectomy.
Women do better when treatment involves learning sexual techniques or a method called desensitization. This treatment works to gradually decrease the response that causes lack of orgasms. Desensitization is helpful for women with significant sexual anxiety.
Published Date: April 16, 2024
Published By: John D. Jacobson, MD, Professor Emeritus, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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