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Relief from no Release
by
Lisa Franzoni, CRNP, MSN
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Are
you the type of woman whose orgasms occur as frequently as Haley’s Comet?
Do you think that women who reach orgasm every time they have sex have
been born with this ability? Well, don’t be fooled! Achieving orgasm is
a skill that takes practice to perfect. It is a problem that affects many
women but, often we feel uncomfortable discussing it or we simply think
it is our problem only. The inability to achieve orgasm, or what is known
as inorgasmia, is the most common sexual complaint among women. Studies
show that more than 63% of all women experience inorgasmia once in their
lifetime. Inorgasmia can be classified into the following categories:
primary, secondary, situational and coital inorgasmia.
Primary
inorgasmia is defined as a condition in which a woman has never experienced
an orgasm. Secondary inorgasmia is defined as a condition in which a woman
has experienced an orgasm in the past, but is unable to experience an
orgasm presently. Situational inorgasmia is defined as a condition in
which a woman is unable to experience an orgasm during intercourse.
Contributing
factors that affect the female sexual response can be physical, behavioral,
emotional or organic. Physical factors that affect inorgasmia may be lack
of pubococcygeal muscle tone (a muscle responsible for vaginal tone),
pressure sensitivities in the vagina, or a couple’s “pelvic fit.” Behavioral
factors may include a woman’s inability to communicate her desires with
her partner regarding such issues as stimulation, timing (slow/fast),
and touch (hard/soft), that may help her successfully achieve orgasm.
Emotional factors that affect a woman’s ability to achieve orgasm can
range from anger to depression to guilt. Organic factors may be due to
a precipitating disease, such as diabetes or alcoholism.
Treatment
for women who experience inorgasmia can be conducted in group, couple,
or individual therapy. Early behavioral therapeutics may consist of using
erotic literature with directed masturbation techniques. Sexual dysfunction
therapists may use enhancement techniques in phases over a three-month
period. This consists of relaxation, muscle strengthening, dual stimulation,
coital positioning and coital pacing. Sexual dysfunction therapists work
with the individual and/or couple until the inorgasmia is resolved.
Being
in touch with our sexuality, that is, knowing our sexual needs and desires,
and being able to communicate them to our partners, is essential to adding
intimacy to loving. It is so important for women who cannot achieve orgasms
to know there are specialized therapists, who can help, so satisfaction
can be achieved. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor, you are not alone.
Also, if you are located in the USA (or are going to be visiting soon)
The American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT),
based in Washington D.C. will provide a complete list of qualified sex
therapists.
The
fact is, achieving orgasm is a vital part of every woman’s sexuality.
Seeking the advise of a specialist, becoming aware of the possible solutions
and realizing you are not alone is the first step in attaining what is
known to many as “happiness is...”
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