How Poor Communication Affects Female Orgasmic Disorder

Female orgasmic disorder (FOD)—also refered to as anorgasmia—occurs when a woman experiences a partial or total inability to achieve orgasm during sex or masturbation. Recent research purports that FOD affects up to 28 percent of women in the United States and up to 46 percent in countries across Asia.

FOD can alienate both the sufferer and her sexual partners but can be more manageable with the help of good communication practices. As with any medical condition, understanding the symptoms, causes and preventive measures is important, but just as important is recognizing any psychological factors behind this disorder.

Lack of sexual fulfillment

Female orgasmic disorder is marked by extreme, regular difficulty reaching orgasm during any sort of sexual stimulation. It is different than just needing “something extra” to climax when penetrative sex alone isn’t effective. Women who experience this disorder often report it as something that prevents them from achieving orgasm even when they are sexually excited.

This lack of sexual satisfaction can cause significant damage to personal relationships. But because no FOD-specific prescription treatment options exist, working on relationship dynamics may be the best path to resolving this frustrating disorder.

Psychology, relationships & talking it out

Clinical evidence indicates that women in relationships with poor interpersonal communication channels have higher rates of female orgasmic disorder, and a couple’s inability to reconcile arguments or disagreements can also contribute to FOD.

Research from one study found that heterosexual, monogamous relationships were more likely to involve a woman with FOD if either she or the male partner reported consistent difficulty being able to establish boundaries and communication strategies with the other person.

The researchers hypothesized that blame plays a major role in the breakdown of dialogue, especially about whether FOD was due to the woman’s issues or the man’s. They were also able to hypothesize that women with a psychological origin for their female orgasmic disorder may routinely avoid interpersonal conflict with their partner, which creates even more unresolved tension that may worsen the condition.

Establish a communication strategy

Relationships aren’t always easy, especially if one of you is dealing with female orgasmic disorder. However, communication is key.

Becoming and remaining open with each other may look like this:

• Set time aside for new experiences.
• Try new sex positions and toys without the pressure or expectation of orgasm.
• Be grateful for your partner, and show that gratitude.
• Listen to your significant other’s experience when it comes to female orgasmic disorder.

And last but not least, though it seems too good to be true, couples who orgasm together tend to stay together. In addition, couples who report satisfying sex say that trust and communication go hand in hand.

Quality, not quantity

Though FOD may make it difficult, or even impossible, for a woman to experience an orgasm, recognizing her difficulties might be the perfect opportunity to experiment a little and explore new ways to give each other pleasure. Even without an orgasm, you can both still experience intimacy and enjoyment.

Medical research seems to indicate a strong psychological aspect to female orgasmic disorder. With that in mind, a focus on communication, quality time and novel sexual experiences with your partner is a good first step toward attaining the big O.