Can all women climax?

Dear Dr. G,

I understand you mainly answer questions about men’s health, but I hope you can accommodate my query about female sexual health.

My wife and I have been married for six years and we have frequent intimacy. We now have a beautiful three-year-old daughter.

Like most couples, we do not usually discuss sexual issues openly.

However, my wife started asking me about female sexual satisfaction.

She said that most of the time, the sex has only “benefited” me and does not think she has ever climaxed.

Of course, it hurts as I assumed she was quite satisfied these six years. Now, knowing it was all “not that good”, I am determined to make it right.

Is it true that some women never climax at all? Please help.

Regards,

Gordon

“Orgasm” is derived from the Greek word “orgasmos” meaning excitement and swelling. In medical terms, this terminology is used to describe the sudden escalation of sexual excitement resulting in discharge of semen or secretions and an overwhelming feeling of euphoria.

With men, orgasm is usually an outcome of physical sexual stimulation of the penis, typically accompanying ejaculation. However, this is different in women as the stimulation is usually focused on the clitoris.

For both men and women, the orgasmic state can be achieved by self-stimulation, or penetrative and non-penetrative sex with a sex partner. An orgasm can also be achieved without a sexual act, which happens subconsciously during wet dreams.

The ability to have an orgasm and its intensity in both men and women varies widely. The real control of an orgasm occurs in the central nervous system, hence the true mechanism and the evolutionary purposes of the orgasm are poorly understood. In recent years, there has also been an intensive effort and a lot of research aimed at understanding and unravelling the real mystery behind the orgasm.

Statistics indicate that 70-80% of women can derive an orgasm by direct manipulation against part of the clitoris, and the Mayo Clinic has demonstrated that an orgasm can vary in intensity between women. This means the frequency of orgasms and the amount of stimulation required to trigger it can differ substantially between individuals.

Anatomically, the clitoris has more than eight thousand sensory nerve endings that will contribute to the final climactic experience. It is also notable that although the number of nerve endings is same in the glans of the penis, the reaction to physical stimulation is very different.

Also, evidence has emerged that the labia and vagina play a major role in female orgasms. Recent studies have shown that the labial minora and urethra is particularly sensitive, hence part of achieving a satisfying outcome should involve these two organs.

Additionally, scientific literature supports the fact that 25% of women have reported difficulties in achieving an orgasm and that 10% of women have never had one. This condition is termed “female anorgasmia”.

In a 1994 study, researchers found that 74% of men and 29% of women reported were able to achieve orgasm with their regular partners. The same study also revealed that women are much more likely to achieve orgasm through “self-practice” instead of with a partner.

Having said that, many women expressed that their most satisfying sexual experiences entail being connected and loved by the partner, rather than based on achieving sexual orgasm.

On the week leading to Valentine’s Day, I am glad to be put on the spot to address this issue of female anorgasmia.

The advice I have for Gordon is that women’s sexual health is never easily understood and an orgasm should never be considered the sole achievement of sex. When your partner is open to discussion on any shortcomings, this is the first step towards a satisfying relationship that may even result in happy endings in the future.

On that note, Happy Valentine’s Day to all couples out there!