anorgasmia: Women who can't climax
by Sarah Myers
When Dr Stuart Meloy put an electrode into a woman's spine in an attempt to cure her back pain, he inadvertently gave her an orgasm. Meloy had invented a device that would give hope to the thousands of woman who aren't able to climax, a form of sexual dysfunction known as anorgasmia. Some women develop this condition, and it may be temporary; for others an orgasm has never featured in their sexual realm.
© Channel 4
the science bit
While the male orgasm is a relatively uncomplicated 'push button response', it has proved much harder to unlock the secrets of the female climax.
Scientists have generally agreed that there are four stages to sexual reaction, starting with the arousal or rising sexual excitement stage. This is followed by a plateau or heightened state – the stage where some women get stuck. For those who do orgasm, the third stage, this is followed by a fourth and final relaxation phase.
During the period of sexual arousal, there are several changes in a woman's body: her heart pumps faster and her breathing gets heavier; hormones such as endorphins are pumped round the brain and body; and blood is pumped to the genitals to create the tension that will ultimately trigger a muscular spasm. This spasm results in the pelvic floor muscles contracting between five and 15 times at 0.8-second intervals – this is the orgasm.
Rather than the simple physical response that causes a man to orgasm, a network of emotional, physical and circumstantial responses are interacting when a woman climaxes. With mind and body inextricably involved, there is far more scope for something to go wrong.
(February 2005)
For further information about organisations, websites and reading, go to our get help directory.
