Anorgasmia, or Coughlan's syndrome, is a type of sexual dysfunction in which a person cannot achieve orgasm despite adequate stimulation. [1] The medical term is orgasmis disorder. [2]

There are several studies concerning "female orgasm". Based on the research done by the American sociologist Edward Otto Laumann (1994), 20 per cent of women hardly experience orgasm while 4 per cent have never climaxed. In her survey [3], the American psychologist Carol Rinkleib Ellison (2000) found out that 25 per cent of women have problems reaching the climax, while 17 per cent have never had an orgasm. [4]

Types
Primary anorgasmia is a condition where one experiences sexual arousal and exciting intercourse but without ever having an orgasm. [2] [4]

Masters & Johnson [CLITORIS] distinguished general (masturbatory) from situational (coital) anorgasmia. While a general dysfunction is a condition where one cannot experience orgasm, neither through masturbation nor sexual intercourse, people with situational anorgasmia are orgasmic in some situations such as masturbation. Anorgasmia is often a life-long phenomenon, since the ability to have orgasms doesn't suddenly appear. In the context of traumata, diseases, or conflicts based on partnership, the ability to have orgasms can occasionally disappear. [2] [4]

Treatment
Orgasm is not crucial for a satisfying sexuality. A performance-oriented sexuality, which only aims at reaching the climax, might cause stress and pressure and makes an exciting devotion to the moment impossible. Next to orgasm many other factors also play an important role, such as a loving relationship, sexual health, tenderness and intimacy. Climax can be experienced as wonderful but it shouldn't be considered the only condition for successful sexuality. [4] [5]

A sexual therapy might help in case the degree of suffering is high. Basically, every individual is able to experience different forms of orgasm. [ORGASM] A conversational therapy might help to find out the causes and come to terms with past strains or traumas. Modern sexual therapies, such as "sexocorporel" (sex therapy with a holistic approach) focus on building up sexual skills, for instance, masturbation techniques, which help to experience a new physical feeling. Only later, the partner is involved in the love play. Then, the treatment focuses on (re-) experiencing pleasure, relaxation and sensuality as well as communication. [5] [6]

Further Links:
OMGYES – Lifting the Veil on Women's Sexual Pleasure (Website)