Sexual Health

Orgasm - what does it take

Some women fear there is something wrong with them when they don’t climax easily during intercourse. Failure to reach orgasm can be a problem but rarely is it a physical problem. Before you seek medical advice, be sure that you are getting the right amount of stimulation in the right places, and that you are comfortable expressing yourself sexually with your partner. While sexual activity shouldn’t be overly focused on climax, orgasm is an element of sexual pleasure that most people prefer having.

The function of orgasm is to release the blood from the engorged pelvic tissues – the climax is an involuntary but pleasurable contracting of the vagina, uterus, and rectum. When sexual activity ends without orgasm, the congested pelvic tissues take longer to return to normal and that fullness sometimes causes an uncomfortable, aching feeling – which resolves over a short period of time.

Before you become too concerned about difficulty reaching orgasm, try relaxing and allowing time for natural lubrication (or use an additional lubricant if you need to). Focus on pleasure and more stimulation to the area around the clitoris – lots more (up to 45 minutes worth, especially for older women). The clitoris is similar in sensitivity to the male penis. Just as a man would find it very difficult to reach climax without any touching or contact with his penis – a woman has the same experience when this most sensitive area is left under-stimulated.

For more information on other problems that may be affecting your ability to orgasm, click here.