Female sexual dysfunction

  • With Mayo Clinic psychologist

    Janice B. Swanson, Psy.D.

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Question

Female orgasm: No climax during intercourse?

I'm a 29-year-old woman who doesn't experience orgasm during intercourse. Is this normal?

Answer

from Janice B. Swanson, Psy.D.

While some women experience orgasm during vaginal intercourse, many more women are orgasmic during oral or manual stimulation of the clitoris. These differences between men and women with regard to orgasm often lead to expectations and misinterpretation of meaning associated with response during intercourse.

One of the major difficulties couples experience is identifying what is mutually desired from sexual activity and communicating effectively with each other. It's important that you discuss your differences and learn about each other's desires and expectations.

References
  1. Lentz GM. Sexual function and dysfunction. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2011.
  2. Biggs WS. Female orgasmic disorder. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-4/0/1481/0.html#. Accessed Sept. 28, 2011.
AN01725 Dec. 15, 2011

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