What should you do for orgasmic dysfunction?

orgasmic dysfunction

Orgasmic dysfunction, as any Sexologist in Lahore would tell you, is a serious disorder that needs proper workup, diagnosis and management options. The causes of anorgasmia are different in different individuals, and are treated accordingly. Read on to know more about orgasmic dysfunction, its types, diagnosis and treatment options:

What is orgasmic dysfunction? 

Anorgasmia or orgasmic dysfunction is when someone has difficulty or inability reaching orgasm despite sufficient sexual stimulation. This condition is more common in women, but also occurs in men. 

According to research data, 11 to 41 percent of women experience orgasmic dysfunction. Orgasmic dysfunction depends on many factors including age and presence of concurrent illness. Apart from physical causes, there are psychological causes of orgasmic dysfunction, as well. 

What are the types of orgasmic dysfunction?

The different types of orgasmic dysfunction are:

  • Acquired anorgasmia: this occurs when you used to have orgasms previously, but now have trouble in reaching climax. 
  • Lifelong anorgasmia: in contrast to acquired anorgasmia, lifelong anorgasmia is when you have never reached orgasm. 
  • Generalized anorgasmia: in this type, there is difficulty reaching orgasm irrespective of stimulation, partner or situation. 
  • Situational anorgasmia: this type of anorgasmia only occurs in certain situations or certain partners.  

What are the causes of orgasmic dysfunction?

The exact cause of orgasmic dysfunction can be difficult to pinpoint without proper workup. Nevertheless, the contributing factors for orgasmic dysfunction include:

  • Relationship issues like unresolved conflicts, lack of connection with the partner and poor communication with them
  • Aging—sex hormones decline with normal aging 
  • Shyness
  • Cultural beliefs
  • Religious beliefs 
  • Smoking 
  • History of sexual abuse or emotional abuse
  • Poor self-esteem with poor body image
  • Guilt associated with sexual activity
  • Chronic medical conditions like diabetes 
  • Chronic mental conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression and stress
  • History of gynecological conditions and surgeries including hysterectomy or oophorectomy and cancer surgeries  
  • Use of medications like beta blockers for hypertension, antipsychotic drugs, SSRIs and SNRIs for depression and anxiety

How is orgasmic dysfunction diagnosed?

As with any medical condition, orgasmic dysfunction is diagnosed through a thorough medical history and physical examination. Through proper history and examination, orgasmic dysfunction can be diagnosed and treatment can be started. 

Medical history: details about the sexual history, relationship and surgical history are all part of the initial workup of orgasmic dysfunction. One should be candid with their healthcare provider about such questions so their diagnosis and treatment can be easier. 

Physical examination: including examination of genitalia can help in diagnosis of orgasmic dysfunction. It also helps to rule out other concurrent causes of orgasmic dysfunction. 

What are the treatment options? 

The treatment options for orgasmic dysfunction are based on lifestyle modification and treatment of underlying disorders. If the healthcare provider feels the need, they may prescribe medication as well. 

  • Lifestyle modification: eating right, exercising and dealing with the stressors of life can help improve the sexual life as well. Moreover, it helps if you learn about your body and know what stimulates you. 
  • Medication: drugs that help improve orgasmic dysfunction include: 
    • Estrogen therapy: in women with orgasmic dysfunction, estrogen therapy is helpful in the form of gel, patch or pill. This form of treatment is particularly helpful in perimenopausal women, who experience vaginal dryness and decreased sexual stimulation. With estrogen therapy, there is improved blood flow to the vagina and improved sexual response.  
    • Testosterone therapy: like estrogen, testosterone also plays a role in improving orgasmic dysfunction.  
    • Switching medication: over-the-counter and prescription medication can interfere with sexual stimulation and it is helpful if they are switched to better options by the permission of the healthcare provider. 
  • Therapy: sex therapy and couples’ therapy are some ways which can help overcome conflict in sex life and relationships. In such cases, therapists like Sexologist in Hameed Latif hospital help patients in communicating better with their partner and even perform behavioral exercises that can improve sex life. 

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