We’ve talked about our share of distressing male sexual dysfunctions. From the prevalent (erectile dysfunction), to the less common (retrograde ejaculation), there are quite a few male sexual health conditions that can be unnerving.
But perhaps none are as distressing to men as the complete and total lack of ability to experience an orgasm known as anorgasmia.
We hear you – ano-what?
Anorgasmia, in a nutshell, is a sexual condition where you might find it persistently difficult, or, in some cases, literally incapable of climaxing into an orgasm – even when you’re “in the mood,” aroused and receiving sexual stimulation.
Scary, isn’t it? It sure is the stuff of nightmares.
Anorgasmia goes by several names. It might be referred to as an inhibited ejaculation or delayed orgasm. And since it can cause quite a lot of sexual performance-related anxiety and general sexual dissatisfaction, it may trigger a low libido or erectile dysfunction (ED). Talk about a double whammy!
Male anorgasmia is generally divided in two distinct classifications: primary anorgasmia, or an anorgasmia that men experience throughout their sexual lives, and secondary anorgasmia, or an anorgasmia that develops even after having a normal sex life in the past.
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If you have been diagnosed with primary anorgasmia, it might take you an inordinate amount of time, if not difficulty or incapability of reaching an orgasm starting from your primary sexual experiences.
Meanwhile, if you’ve been diagnosed with secondary anorgasmia, you might notice yourself taking much longer to reach orgasm than normal, or suddenly find it hard to climax even after having enjoyed many years of normal sexual function.
Anorgasmia isn’t as common as other sexual dysfunctions (such as ED), with roughly 1.5 in 1,000 men affected with primary anorgasmia, and about 4% of men below 65 experiencing secondary anorgasmia.
Also, there’s no FDA-approved medicine for male anorgasmia as yet. But take heart – there are several treatments that may help relieve symptoms of anorgasmia.
Psychological and Physical Factors that Cause Anorgasmia in Men
A plethora of components may precipitate or exacerbate male anorgasmia. Some instigating factors of male anorgasmia are mental, such as dejection or angst. Others are corporeal, such as neural harm, loss of penile sensitivity, utilization of specific medications, or hormonal health concerns.
Here are some of the major psychological factors behind the development of anorgasmia in men:
- Depression. Feeling “the blues”? Depression can cause ED, low libido, and/or difficulty or inability to orgasm despite sexual arousal and stimulation.
- Anxiety. Different types of anxiety can arise from a person’s sex life. They can also cause sexual dysfunction.
- Lack of arousal. Sometimes, you’re just not at the races, or you’re just not in the mood. You might find it understandably hard to climax and orgasm in such situations.
- Masturbation. Certain habits surrounding masturbation can affect your sexual performance. Men might find masturbation, for instance, more sexually satisfying than sex due to their preferred sexual fantasies or particular masturbation techniques. What we do know from research is that men with anorgasmia have a predilection for masturbating with more frequency.
On the other hand, here are some physical factors that can lead to male anorgasmia:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use. Antidepressants known as SSRIs may cause sexual health issues as side effects, including anorgasmia. Since SSRIs treat depression, it might be hard to determine if anorgasmia is a side effect of taking an SSRI, or if it is a symptom of the depression that the SSRI drug seeks to treat.
- Opioid and antipsychotic use. These classes of drugs may affect sexual performance and cause sexual dysfunctions such as a difficulty or inability to orgasm.
- Low “T” and other hormonal issues. Low testosterone levels have been indicated as a potential cause of anorgasmia. In a study of men with anorgasmia, 21% of men were found to have low testosterone levels. Other hormonal issues, such as hormones like prolactin and those linked to it, may be linked to anorgasmia.
- Diminished penile sensitivity. Research has revealed that it is quite typical for men to experience a decrease in penis sensitivity with age. If your penis is not as sensitive as it once was, it may become harder to experience an orgasm whilst engaged in sexual activity.
- Nerve trauma and damage to the spine/pelvis/genitals. Nerve damage arising from diseases such as diabetic neuropathy, or trauma from sports injuries or surgery can cause anorgasmia.
How is Male Anorgasmia Treated?
Male anorgasmia, like ED, can happen due to a number of reasons – therefore, there are more than just singular, one-size-fits-all approaches to treating it and regaining normal orgasmic function.
Case in point: unlike ED, there is no existing FDA-approved treatment for male anorgasmia.
If you find it increasingly difficult to climax and orgasm during solo play or regular sexual intercourse, consult your primary healthcare provider. They will help determine what’s causing your anorgasmia and propose a suitable treatment based on your specific circumstances.
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Your healthcare provider might put you through several tests, such as hormonal tests that will check your testosterone and other hormone levels, or by undergoing penile sensitivity tests to check for physical causes of your anorgasmia.
If your anorgasmia is linked to a physical issue, you may be referred to a specialist called a urologist. If it’s caused by psychological issues, your doctor might refer you to a psychiatrist.
Based on what’s causing your difficulty or inability to orgasm, you might be prescribed the following treatment.
- Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy may benefit your anorgasmia if it’s caused by underlying psychological issues like sexual performance-related anxiety or depression, to name a few. This includes alternative forms of therapy such as couples or sex therapy, where you and your partner can get qualified advice on how to improve your sex life.
- Changing masturbation habits. Masturbation-induced anorgasmia can be treated by switching up the frequency and the methods with which you engage in “solo play.”
- Switching medicines. If you’re on SSRIs or medicines that have been known to cause anorgasmia, your doctor might put you on alternative options that don’t cause anorgasmia.
- Medicines for hormone-related issues. If you have low T, your doctor might recommend testosterone replacement therapy. If your anorgasmia is caused by elevated prolactin levels, your doctor might prescribe an off-label treatment known as cabergoline.
- Penile stimulation. If you find yourself dealing with a reduced level of sensitivity in the penis, vibratory stimulation may be the answer to your problem. This form of treatment involves using vibration to stimulate the frenulum, a band of elastic tissue located near the head of the penis. This can be helpful in producing orgasm and treating anorgasmia.
Your healthcare professional will communicate the most beneficial treatment approach based on your unique circumstances. Adhere to their directions closely and, if medication is recommended to treat anorgasmia, take it as directed by your healthcare professional to get the best results.
The final word on male anorgasmia
We get how anorgasmia can be frustrating and downright distressing for some, especially when it starts interfering with your and your partner’s enjoyment and pleasure from sex.
The good news? Like most sexual dysfunctions, anorgasmia can be addressed using a variety of treatment options. It’s all about taking the first step and speaking to a qualified healthcare professional about it.
With the appropriate diagnosis, testing, and treatment, it’s completely possible to regain your orgasmic function and enjoy the pleasures of sex without any worries. Will you take the first step? Consult your healthcare provider today.
