Therapeutic practices for female anorgasmia - a cognitive-behavioral perspective
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Katedra Humanizacji Medycyny i Seksuologii, Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytet Zielonogórski
Submission date: 2024-05-08
Final revision date: 2024-07-19
Acceptance date: 2024-07-30
Publication date: 2024-09-24
Corresponding author
Alicja Kozakiewicz
Department of Humanization of Health Care and Sexology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 65-046, Zielona Góra, Poland
Psychoter 2024;208(1):13-24
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ABSTRACT
Orgasm, as a component of the sexual experience, is a key element of sexual satisfaction in both men and women. Despite this universal function, there is a significant gender disparity in achieving orgasm, generally to the disadvantage of women. Understanding the determinants of orgasm in women is crucial to promoting gender equality in sexuality. Anorgasmia, defined as the absence or delay in the experience of orgasm, is common among women and is a significant health problem that requires special attention and efficacious therapeutic intervention. In the latest ICD-11 classification, difficulties in achieving orgasm are differentiated into both primary and secondary anorgasmia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating anorgasmia through techniques such as directed masturbation, sensation focus, systematic desensitization, sex education, cognitive restructuring and sexual communication training. Additionally, urogynecological physiotherapy has a significant role in the treatment of anorgasmia. The efficacy of these therapeutic modalities can be attributed to enhancements in women's capacity to achieve orgasm, augmented sexual gratification, and diminished anxiety. Enhancing sexual communication within a partner relationship can also facilitate women's ability to reach orgasm with greater frequency. Cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to be an efficacious approach to treating anorgasmia in women. The implementation of these strategies is associated with increased sexual satisfaction and improved quality of sexual life for women.