what you need to know about anorgasmia
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Healthline reached out to Heather Jeffcoat for what you need to know about anorgasmia

Movies make it seem like orgasming is as universal an experience as, say, post-bean farts.

But some women can’t get off.

It’s called anorgasmia, and it’s more common than Rom Coms or erotica might have you believe.

Wait, what’s anorgasmia?

Anorgasmia is defined as the inability to achieve orgasm, despite sufficient sexual stimulation and is associated with personal distress,” says Dr. Heather Jeffcoat, a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in sexual dysfunction, pain, and incontinence, and author of “Sex Without Pain: A Self-Treatment Guide to the Sex Life You Deserve.

Those last four words are important: associated with personal distress.

The inability to orgasm only qualifies as anorgasmia if it’s accompanied by feelings of:

  • frustration
  • self-doubt
  • shame
  • inadequacy
  • anger

Are there different types?

There’s a diagnostic classification system based on whether it has been lifelong or acquired,”

explains Jeffcoat. There’s also something called situational anorgasmia.

Sex tips and tricks

For starters: lube!

When women's estrogen levels dip, they lose natural lubrication, so if they aren’t already, they need to begin supplementing with a lubricant,

says Jeffcoat.

Second, switch it up! Especially if you’re still having the same type of sex you were having in your 20s.

You need to update what your sex life looks like in your 40s,” says Jeffcoat. “This may include different positions, more or different lube, working through psychological barriers, and incorporating more outercourse.”

What to expect in your 50s and beyond

The average age most women hit menopause is 51.

Menopause can bring along changes like even less lubrication and less elasticity, which can make penetration painful,”

says Jeffcoat.

There is much more to this topic, and if you are still curious about what you need to know about anorgasmia, continue reading the full article here.