Female orgasmic disorder: Nature and causes

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) is the inability to achieve orgasm by some women despite adequate sexual arousal. With FOD, a woman either does not have an orgasm or has extreme difficulty regularly reaching climax.

Women have individual differences in the amount of stimulation needed for them to achieve an orgasm. However, when the doctor feels that the woman's orgasmic capacity is less than what would be expected of a woman of her age and sexual experience, the disorder is diagnosed.

The disorder can be life-long or situational. In the former, the woman has never had an orgasm, either through masturbation or with a partner. In the latter, the disorder is temporary and may be caused due to non-conducive situations.

The causes of FOD are known to be both physical and psychological. FOD is most often a lifelong disorder, which means that a woman has never ever achieved orgasm under any type of stimulation, including self-stimulation (masturbation), direct stimulation of the clitoris by a partner, or vaginal intercourse.

Some women experience secondary, or acquired FOD. These women have had orgasms, but lose the ability to achieve one after illness, emotional trauma, or as a side effect of a surgery or certain medications. Acquired FOD is often temporary and women get back on track once they recover.

FOD may be due either to psychological factors or a combination of physiological and psychological factors, but not due to physiological factors alone.

Damage to the blood vessels of the pelvic region can lead to the disorder.

Spinal cord lesions or damage to the nerves in the pelvic area is also one of the physiological causes.

Side effects of certain medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, narcotics or illicit substance abuse can also lead to FOD.

FOD is also caused by the removal of the clitoris, also known as female genital mutilation, a cultural practice in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Past sexual abuse, rape, incest, or other traumatic sexual experience not only kills libido but also leads to the loss of a woman's ability to achieve orgasm.

Inadequate foreplay and arousal, lack of sexual stimulation, poor sexual communication with a partner and failure to continue with stimulation for an adequate length of time may also cause failure to climax.

Mental health disorders such as major depression, stresses and tensions, such as financial worries, job loss, or divorce are also known to be among the causes of FOD.

Some religious or cultural beliefs about sex and feeling guilt about sex or sexual pleasure also prevent women from enjoying sex and reaching the climax.

Negative self-image and relationship issues like rejection by the partner also lead to FOD.