Lynne Santiago MS, LMHC
Lynne is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Sex Therapist with a private practice in Tampa, FL. Lynne received advanced, specialized training in sexual health and human sexuality from the Academy of Clinical Sexologists ... Read More About Lynne Santiago »
Have A Question For Lynne? Send our experts a note and we will be glad to assist you in anyway! Ask Us Here >
Q. Dear Lynne,
I have never had an orgasm and can't figure out why. What does it feel like? Do you always cum? I was married for over 10 years and hated having sex with my (ex) husband. Now I am divorced and in a non serious relationship that is physically amazing and I love having sex, but haven't climaxed yet. What am I not doing right? ~ Estelle - Feb 13, 2007
Thanks for your question Estelle,
It is estimated that 24% - 29% of healthy women experience some difficulties with orgasm and research puts it at about 30% of women do not orgasm in all sexual encounters. Researchers in human sexuality describe the female orgasm as “a variable, transient peak sensation of intense pleasure, creating an altered state of consciousness” that results in a heightened sense of well being and contentment. Orgasm is a subjective physiological, emotional, and, some might add, spiritual, experience. Physiologically, it involves involuntary, rhythmic contractions of the muscles in the pelvic area, vagina, uterus, and anal sphincter.
There are a host of possibilities that can affect your ability to have an orgasm. They can include medical issues that I would suggests you rule out by your doctor. Certain medications can make orgasm difficult and conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can cause a decrease in arousal which, in turn, can affect orgasm. But more often than not, other non-medical issues get in the way. History of sexual trauma and abuse, unpleasant sexual experiences in the past, lack of emotional intimacy in the relationship, extreme religious and/or restrictive childhoods are just some of the obstacles that get in the way of having an enjoyable, fulfilling sexual life.
I recommend the classic book “For Yourself: The Fulfillment of Female Sexuality” by Lonnie Garfield Barbach. It was originally written in the 70’s but there is a new, updated edition. It contains exercises that you can use to help you discover your body, become comfortable with erotic sensations, as well as help you experience orgasm.
Share This Article
Keywords
q and a,
sex,
better sex and how to,
orgasm,
... [+]
Other Recent Articles
For as long as I remember, I've never ejaculated while having vaginal intercourse. » - Dear Lynne,
For as long as I remember, I've never ejaculated while having vaginal intercourse. I'm fine when I masturbate, but just can't seem to get aroused enough for orgasm. What is this called? How can I fix this problem? We would like to have children and I hate faking orgasm. ~ Kai Feb 12, 2007
«After my husband's heart attack last year, he isn't interested in sex at all. - Hi Lynne,
First I am 47 years old and my husband is 45. We have been married almost 2 years and last July he had a heart attack. Well,he has recovered from that but our sex life has went down the toilet. He isn't interested in sex at all. I may be 47 but I am still sexually active. My husband won't do a thing to change. I mean talk to his doctor. I tell him I want him and I have loved on him and it doesn't phase him. I'm at the end of my rope. I don't know what to do. This is getting so bad that my feelings for him are starting to change. He don't seem to care or he would seek help. Please give me some advice.
Thank you. ~ Sheila