Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is an Orgasm?Anorgasmia TypesCausesDiagnosisTreatmentCoping
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is an Orgasm?
Anorgasmia Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Coping
Anorgasmia, also known asCoughlan’ssyndrome, occurs when a person is unable to achieve anorgasmdespite adequate sexual stimulation. It affects both males and females but is far more common in females.
There are many possible causes of anorgasmia, some of which overlap. In females, anorgasmia commonly occurs after menopause when estrogen levels drop. In males, anorgasmia is seen to be an extension ofdelayed ejaculation. Psychological distress, medications, and chronic health issues can contribute.
This article describes the types and causes of anorgasmia in females and males. It also explains how anorgasmia is diagnosed and treated and ways to cope if the inability to orgasm is affecting your relationship, well-being, or ability to have children.
PhotoAlto / Sanna Lindberg / Getty Images
Physiology of Female and Male Orgasms
An orgasm is a complex physiological and psychological process involving not only the genitals and brain but also the nerves and hormones that direct the sexual response. An orgasm is the third of four phases of the sexual response cycle described as:
In addition to physical stimulation, orgasm can be achieved from psychological arousal, such asnocturnal emissions, or “wet dreams,” that can affect both males and females.
Types of Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia may be a lifelong condition, one that develops gradually over time, or one that occurs suddenly. There are four broad categories:
Causes of Anorgasmia
The causes of anorgasmia can be described as being either physiological (related to the biological functions of the body) or psychological (related to the mind). Many cases involve both.
Physiological Causes in Females and Males
The physiological causes of anorgasmia common to both females and males include:
Physiological Causes in Females
Anorgasmia is not uncommon in females. In fact, some studies suggest that anywhere from 10% to 15% of females have never had an orgasm.
Physiological causes specific to females include:
Physiological Causes in Males
Anorgasmia is thought to affect roughly 3% of sexually active males. Although older age plays a role, anorgasmia can affect males of any age.
Physiological causes specific to males include:
Psychological Causes
Psychological factors that can cause or contribute to anorgasmia in both males and females include:
How Anorgasmia Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of anorgasmia typically starts with a physical exam and a review of your medical history. This may involve a review of all medications you take.
Based on whether the cause is physiological or psychological, you may be referred to agynecologist(who specializes in the female reproductive tract), aurologist(who specializes in the male reproductive tract), anendocrinologist(who specializes in hormonal disorders), or apsychologist(who specializes in mental health problems).
Tests that may be used to help diagnose anorgasmia in females include:
Tests that may used to help diagnose anorgasmia in males include:
Anorgasmia Treatment Options
Anorgasmia can be difficult to treat, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. The specific approach depends on the underlying causes and often requires a multi-provider approach.
Some of the options that may be considered include:
In some cases, stopping or adjusting the dose of certain medications, like SSRIs, may be all that is needed to restore normal sexual function.
The treatment of anorgasmia in females might also involve:
Treatments in males might include:
Coping With Anorgasmia
Anorgasmia, like any type ofsexual dysfunction, can take a toll on a person’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. It can have similar effects on their partner.
The most important step is to seek a medical diagnosis; don’t allow fear or embarrassment to prevent you from identifying the cause of the problem. In many cases, there are treatments that can help.
Until a solution is found, there are things you can do to better cope with sexual dysfunction:
Taking these steps may seem awkward at first, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. A psychologist or sex therapist can help you embrace a healthy sexual lifestyle in ways you may never have considered.
Summary
Anorgasmia is the inability to achieve orgasm despite sexual stimulation. There are both physiological and psychological causes that often intertwine. By seeking a diagnosis, your healthcare provider may be able to find treatments that help, including certain medications, counseling, and sexual aids.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jenkins LC, Mulhall JP.Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1082–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029Calabro RC, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, et al.Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: a neglected or unknown issue?Brain Behav.2019 Dec;9(12):e01389. doi:10.1002/brb3.1389Pastor Z, Chmel R.Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: a narrative review of current research.Clin Anat. 2022;35(5):616–625. doi:10.1002/ca.23879Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril.2015 Nov; 104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033International Society for Sexual Medicine.Do women have wet dreams?MedlinePlus.Orgasmic dysfunction in females.European Association of Urology.Epidemiology and prevalence of sexual dysfunction and disorders of male reproductive health.Althof SE, McMahon CG.Contemporary management of disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation.Urology. 2016;93:921. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.018Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S.Antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction.Mayo Clin Proc2016 Sep;91(9):1280–1286. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J.2018 Jun;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907Kandil A, Nassar A, Serag M, Ahmed RS.Flibanserin versus vardenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, randomized controlled clinical trial.Egypt J Hosp Med.2020;81(2):1373-1378.Nguyen V, Dolendo I, Uloko M, et al.Male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia: a practical guide for sexual medicine providers.Int J Impot Res.2023. [Online ahead of print] doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00692-7
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Jenkins LC, Mulhall JP.Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1082–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029Calabro RC, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, et al.Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: a neglected or unknown issue?Brain Behav.2019 Dec;9(12):e01389. doi:10.1002/brb3.1389Pastor Z, Chmel R.Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: a narrative review of current research.Clin Anat. 2022;35(5):616–625. doi:10.1002/ca.23879Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril.2015 Nov; 104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033International Society for Sexual Medicine.Do women have wet dreams?MedlinePlus.Orgasmic dysfunction in females.European Association of Urology.Epidemiology and prevalence of sexual dysfunction and disorders of male reproductive health.Althof SE, McMahon CG.Contemporary management of disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation.Urology. 2016;93:921. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.018Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S.Antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction.Mayo Clin Proc2016 Sep;91(9):1280–1286. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J.2018 Jun;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907Kandil A, Nassar A, Serag M, Ahmed RS.Flibanserin versus vardenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, randomized controlled clinical trial.Egypt J Hosp Med.2020;81(2):1373-1378.Nguyen V, Dolendo I, Uloko M, et al.Male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia: a practical guide for sexual medicine providers.Int J Impot Res.2023. [Online ahead of print] doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00692-7
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Jenkins LC, Mulhall JP.Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1082–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029Calabro RC, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, et al.Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: a neglected or unknown issue?Brain Behav.2019 Dec;9(12):e01389. doi:10.1002/brb3.1389Pastor Z, Chmel R.Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: a narrative review of current research.Clin Anat. 2022;35(5):616–625. doi:10.1002/ca.23879Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril.2015 Nov; 104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033International Society for Sexual Medicine.Do women have wet dreams?MedlinePlus.Orgasmic dysfunction in females.European Association of Urology.Epidemiology and prevalence of sexual dysfunction and disorders of male reproductive health.Althof SE, McMahon CG.Contemporary management of disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation.Urology. 2016;93:921. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.018Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S.Antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction.Mayo Clin Proc2016 Sep;91(9):1280–1286. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J.2018 Jun;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907Kandil A, Nassar A, Serag M, Ahmed RS.Flibanserin versus vardenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, randomized controlled clinical trial.Egypt J Hosp Med.2020;81(2):1373-1378.Nguyen V, Dolendo I, Uloko M, et al.Male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia: a practical guide for sexual medicine providers.Int J Impot Res.2023. [Online ahead of print] doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00692-7
Jenkins LC, Mulhall JP.Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia.Fertil Steril. 2015;104(5):1082–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029
Calabro RC, Cacciola A, Bruschetta D, et al.Neuroanatomy and function of human sexual behavior: a neglected or unknown issue?Brain Behav.2019 Dec;9(12):e01389. doi:10.1002/brb3.1389
Pastor Z, Chmel R.Female ejaculation and squirting as similar but completely different phenomena: a narrative review of current research.Clin Anat. 2022;35(5):616–625. doi:10.1002/ca.23879
Alwaal A, Breyer BN, Lue TF.Normal male sexual function: emphasis on orgasm and ejaculation.Fertil Steril.2015 Nov; 104(5):1051–1060. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.033
International Society for Sexual Medicine.Do women have wet dreams?
MedlinePlus.Orgasmic dysfunction in females.
European Association of Urology.Epidemiology and prevalence of sexual dysfunction and disorders of male reproductive health.
Althof SE, McMahon CG.Contemporary management of disorders of male orgasm and ejaculation.Urology. 2016;93:921. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.018
Lorenz T, Rullo J, Faubion S.Antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction.Mayo Clin Proc2016 Sep;91(9):1280–1286. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.033
Krakowsky Y, Grober ED.A practical guide to female sexual dysfunction: an evidence-based review for physicians in Canada.Can Urol Assoc J.2018 Jun;12(6):211–216. doi:10.5489/cuaj.4907
Kandil A, Nassar A, Serag M, Ahmed RS.Flibanserin versus vardenafil in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, randomized controlled clinical trial.Egypt J Hosp Med.2020;81(2):1373-1378.
Nguyen V, Dolendo I, Uloko M, et al.Male delayed orgasm and anorgasmia: a practical guide for sexual medicine providers.Int J Impot Res.2023. [Online ahead of print] doi:10.1038/s41443-023-00692-7
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