My Journey with Cushing’s disease
At 30 years old, I was fit, healthy and naturally a size 8–10. I knew my body well, which is why, when it started to
Female orgasmic disorder is defined in the DSM-5 as reduced intensity, delay, infrequency, and/or absence of orgasm, with symptoms lasting for at least six months, and where no other physical or relational cause can be attributed (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Various studies worldwide show that anywhere between 20-40% of women may experience difficulties reaching orgasm; according to the American Psychiatric Association (2013), this varying range may be due to cultural differences in a woman’s perspective of how important an orgasm is to their sexual satisfaction.
The causes of orgasm issues in women are multifaceted and include:
Receiving a medical workup is always a beneficial first step if you’re finding it difficult to orgasm, in order to rule out any specific medical conditions and/or adjust any medications as needed.
Sex therapy and/or couples’ counseling may also be indicated when situational factors such as communication or relationship issues may be impacting the ability to orgasm.
Even if you haven’t been diagnosed with female orgasmic disorder, you may well be one of many women experiencing difficulties reaching orgasm. If you’re struggling, you might find mind-body modalities such as hypnosis, mindfulness, and breathwork a beneficial addition to your sexual wellbeing toolkit. Each modality offers its own unique benefits whether you’re engaging in sexual activity solo or with a partner.
Hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis can reduce anxiety and alter negative thought patterns related to sexual performance and self-image by creating a state of deep relaxation, positive suggestion and visualization.
Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the present moment without judgment. This presence can help you feel more attuned to your body and sensations during sexual activity, and also limit any distractions and anxieties that might hinder an orgasm. Mindfulness practices can also encourage deeper connection between you and a partner.
Breathwork uses a conscious regulation of breathing patterns to promote relaxation and reduce stress. By focusing on the breath, you can learn to control their arousal states and reduce tension, making it easier to achieve orgasm. Breathwork can also help you enhance the physical sensations of arousal.
You’ll find a link here to an audio recording that brings together all three of these modalities for an experience that invites you to go within and explore your own erotic energy and sensations.
One well-known therapeutic approach that can be used to address female orgasmic disorder is the Sensate Focus developed by Masters and Johnson, and emphasizes non-demand touch and mutual exploration between partners. The goal is to build intimacy and reduce performance pressure. Partners take turns touching each other in a relaxed setting without the expectation of orgasm or intercourse. This practice helps individuals become more aware of their sensations and promotes communication about preferences, ultimately reducing anxiety around performance and enhancing sexual pleasure. This approach can also be adapted for solo sexual activity.
Directed masturbation is another effective approach that involves a series of self-exploration exercises. This method is aimed at helping women learn about their bodies, discover what types of stimulation they enjoy, and understand how to reach orgasm in a safe and private setting, allowing them to gain confidence in their own sexual experience, before then moving on to partnered sex (if a desired goal).
Female orgasmic disorder is often a complex myriad of psychological, physiological, and relational factors that can benefit greatly from an interdisciplinary approach that incorporates mind-body modalities to nurture the emotional and psychological well-being necessary for a healthy sexual response.
References:
Both, S., & Laan, E. (2009). Directed masturbation: A treatment of female orgasmic disorder. In W. T. O’Donohue & J. E. Fisher (Eds.), General principles and empirically supported techniques of cognitive behavior therapy (pp. 256–264). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Weiner, L., & Avery-Clark, C. (2014). Sensate Focus: clarifying the Masters and Johnson’s model. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 29(3), 307–319. doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2014.892920
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