Delayed Orgasm

Also Known As: Delayed Ejaculation, Anorgasmia, Can't Orgasm, Delayed Orgasm

Anorgasmia, or Coughlan's syndrome, is a type of sexual dysfunction in which a person cannot achieve orgasm, even with adequate stimulation. In males the condition is often related to delayed ejaculation. Anorgasmia can often cause sexual frustration. Anorgasmia is far more common in females than in males and is especially rare in younger men.

The condition is sometimes classified as a psychiatric disorder. However, it can also be caused by medical problems such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, genital mutilation, complications from genital surgery, pelvic trauma (such as from a straddle injury caused by falling on the bars of a climbing frame, bicycle or gymnastics beam), hormonal imbalances, total hysterectomy, spinal cord injury, cauda equina syndrome, uterine embolisation, childbirth trauma (vaginal tearing through the use of forceps or suction or a large or unclosed episiotomy), vulvodynia and cardiovascular disease.[1]

A common cause of situational anorgasmia, in both men and women, is the use of anti-depressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is a name given to a reported iatrogenic sexual dysfunction caused by the previous use of SSRI antidepressants. Though reporting of anorgasmia as a side effect of SSRIs is not precise, it is estimated that 15–50% of users of such medications are affected by this condition[citation needed]. The chemical amantadine has been shown to relieve SSRI-induced anorgasmia in some, but not all, people.[weasel words][citation needed]

Another cause of anorgasmia is opiate addiction, particularly to heroin.[2] Beat icon William S. Burroughs chronicled this problem (amongst many others) in his novel Naked Lunch.

About 15% of women report difficulties with orgasm, and as many as 10% of women in the United States have never climaxed.[3][4][5] Only 29% of women always have orgasms with their partner.[6]

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