Female orgasmic disorder By: Jeffrey Cooper
What is female orgasmic disorder? Basically, female orgasmic disorder (or FOD) is an inability to orgasm, or reach sexual stimulation. According to the DSM-IV, “Female Orgasmic Disorder is a persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase.” Symptoms Woman may be sexually aroused but never reach orgasm. Orgasmic capacity is less than would be reasonable for her age, sexual experience, and/or the adequacy of sexual stimulation she receives. Most prevalent in younger women. Mostly Lifelong disorder, not acquired. Can lead to other disorders such as depression, anxiety, and debilitating feelings of inadequacy.
Aetiology Learning perspective- A conditioned stimulus (the act of sex) has been conditioned to be a negative thing. For example: rape, unsatisfying sexual experiences. Orgasmic capacity is learned through conditioning and experience, this conditioning has not been created.
Biological perspective- Medications- blood pressure medications, antidepressants know as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anti-anxiety medications and sedatives Alcohol Surgery (childbirth) Pelvic floor prolapse Hormonal dysfunctions
Cognitive perspective I think therefore I am The physiological arousal is inhibited by the emotion. Cognitive appraisal theory- emotional state is based on our assessment of the situation and its significance to well-being
Treatment Learning Perspective Continue sexual activity through intercourse or masturbation in an attempt to create a CR. Use modelling to show sexual stimulation as the correct response.
Biological perspective Hormone replacement therapy If it is related to compromised blood flow or nerve damage: blood flow enhancing agents/devices like Viagra or the EROS-CTD, hormonal creams, etc. Switching medications Kegel exercises to tone pelvic muscles. This involves a routinary start and stop the stream of urine to strengthen the contractionary pelvic muscles.
Cognitive perspective Cognitive therapy to understand why the sexual experience is not attributed to an orgasmic climax. Introspection/self-help
Bibliography Sex Health at Oprah.com Network for excellence in Women’s sexual health (NEWSHE) AllPsych Online PsychNet-UK HealthAtoZ jsp Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Version IV, Axis 1, Orgasmic Disorders. P