Sexual dysfunction …show more content…
Female orgasmic disorder (FOD) also known as inorgasmia is the most widely studied of all female sexual dysfunctions and is “characterized by difficulty experiencing orgasm and/or markedly reduced intensity of orgasmic sensations” (DSM-5, 2013, p. 430). This lack of sensation inevitably affects the quality of the sexual experience for women which is better understood when the physiological changes that normally take place in a woman's body during sexual arousal and orgasm are explored. When a woman becomes sexually excited, the blood vessels in the pelvic area automatically expand thus allowing more blood to flow to the genitals (http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Female-orgasmic-disorder.html). This blood flow is then accompanied by seepage of fluid out of the blood vessels which leads into the vagina to provide lubrication afore and during sexual intercourse; an event dubbed the lubrication-swelling response (http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Female-orgasmic-disorder.html). As a woman receive more sexual stimulation; the body tension and blood flow to the pelvic area continues to accumulate either through direct pressure on the clitoris or as pressure on the walls of the vagina and cervix (http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Female-orgasmic-disorder.html). The blood flow increases simultaneously with the tension which when released produces pleasurable rhythmic …show more content…
Female orgasmic disorder is ruled out if relational distress, intimate partner violence or other stressors bearing significance are present (DSM-5, 2013). Female orgasms have been found to be inhibited by temperamental, environmental, genetic and physiological factors. These factors are taken to include; anxiety, concerns about pregnancy, physical and mental health concerns (multiple sclerosis, pelvic nerve damage and spinal cord injury for instance), gender role expectations, relational conflicts unrelated to intromission, lack of tenderness from partner, inadequate vaginal lubrication, menopausal status, ejaculation shortly after intromission, lack of foreplay, fatigue, overeating and preoccupation with nonsexual thoughts. The absence of an orgasm in women can be experienced as an emotional, sexual and relational problem which is influenced by social dialogue and practice (Lavie-Ajayi, 2005). Additionally, women’s lack of experience and discomfort with self touch is thought to play a pivotal role in the difficulty they encounter in producing an orgasm (Yarber et al.,