Female sexual dysfunction

  • With Mayo Clinic psychologist

    Janice B. Swanson, Psy.D.

The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

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

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print
  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger