Anorgasmia

Anorgasmia is a sexual orgasmic disorder in which there is persistent and consistent inability to achieve orgasm, after adequate stimulation that causes personal distress.

Anorgasmia can occur in both men and women. Anorgasmia is more common in women than in men.

Many factors can affect one's desire and sexual function including physical and psychological causes. Medications, illnesses, surgery, age, pregnancy and menopause (in women), and low testosterone can affect sex.

Treatment varies depending on the cause. Occasional sexual problems are not uncommon. If problems don't go away, or cause anxiety for you or your partner, you should see your healthcare provider.

Many things can affect desire and function and lead to anorgasmia. Very often anorgasmia is secondary to both psychologic and physiologic causes.

Factors which can play a role in anorgasmia include:

• A history of sexual abuse or past negative sexual experiences
• A history of rape
• Poor body image
• Fear of losing control
• Certain prescription drugs, examples include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• Excessive alcohol use
• Erectile dysfunction
• Hormonal disorders or hormonal issues such as low testosterone or low thyroid
• Hormonal changes due to menopause (women)
• Aging
• Physical causes such as diabetes, heart disease, nerve disorders, or hormone problems
• Vaginal infections (women)
• Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (women)
• Extreme tiredness 
• Work-related stress and anxiety
• Negative attitudes toward sex (usually learned in childhood or adolescence)
• Shyness or embarrassment about asking for whatever type of stimulation works best
• Problems within the relationship between partners
• Boredom with sexual activity
• Depression
• Medical conditions that affect the nerve supply to the pelvis such as diabetic neuropathy or multiple sclerosis.
• Complications from spinal cord injury, genital surgery, radical prostatectomy
• Pelvic trauma

Talk with your doctor if difficulty reaching orgasm is persistent and causes you or your partner distress. Many causes are treatable, and reviewing your health and medications can help.