Drugs and alcohol may lessen orgasmic responsiveness. Less commonly, medical conditions that affect the nerve supply to the pelvis (spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis and diabetic neuropathy), hormone disorders and chronic illnesses that affect general sexual interest and health may be factors. Negative attitudes toward sex in childhood may affect a person's responsiveness, as may experiences of sexual abuse or rape. The problem may be related to marital difficulties and low sexual desire. Boredom and monotony in sexual activity may serve as contributing factors to secondary anorgasmia.
About 10 to 15 percent of women appear to suffer from primary orgasmic dysfunction. Surveys generally suggest that 33 to 50 percent of women experience orgasm infrequently and are dissatisfied. Performance anxiety is believed to be the most common cause of orgasm issues, and 90 percent of orgasm problems appear to be psychogenic (nonorganic).
Prevention
Healthy attitudes toward sex as well as education about sexual stimulation and response tend to minimize problems. The principle of taking responsibility for one's own sexual pleasure is also vitally important. Couples who understand that they must verbally and nonverbally guide their partner experience this problem less frequently. It is also important to realize that one cannot force a sexual response, and the harder a woman focuses on trying to have an orgasm, the more difficult it will be to attain.
