Sexual inhibition and the female orgasm

It is estimated that between 10% and 40% of women have trouble reaching orgasm. Scientists suspect that inhibition might be part of the problem.

Not long ago, 1,002 women took part in a survey designed to assess their personality traits, levels of sexual inhibition, sexual beliefs, and sexual activities, including orgasms.

Inhibition was a problem for many women who had orgasm difficulties. Concerns about sexual performance and consequences (such as pregnancy) could make it more difficult for women to focus on their own pleasure, the researchers said.

Sexual inhibition can lead to orgasm issues in women, new research suggests.

Problems with orgasms are common in women, with an estimated 10% to 40% of women reporting difficulty. Some women never reach orgasm. The causes are often both physical and psychological. Stress, anxiety, medical conditions like diabetes, and even anatomy can contribute to whether a woman climaxes or not.

Last month, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that sheds some light on some of the psychological traits that might affect orgasm. Researchers asked a group of 1,002 women between the ages of 18 and 72 (average age 26 years) to complete a series of questionnaires to assess their personalities, levels of sexual inhibition and sexual excitation, beliefs about sex, and their sexual activities (how often they had sex and how frequently they reached orgasm.)