Preparing for an appointment

If your lack of orgasm from sexual activity distresses you, make an appointment with your family doctor or your gynecologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, when they began and under what circumstances they occur
• Your sexual history, including relationships and experiences since you became sexually active and any history of sexual trauma or abuse
• Medical conditions you have, including mental health conditions
• Medications, vitamins and other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

For anorgasmia, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• What might be causing my difficulty to orgasm?
• What tests do I need?
• What treatment approach do you recommend?
• Are there any lifestyle changes or self-care steps that may help me?
• Do you recommend therapy?
• Should my partner be involved in treatment?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor might ask you questions, including:

• At what age did you become sexually active?
• How long have you had difficulty reaching orgasm?
• Do you become sexually aroused during sexual interactions with your partner?
• Do you have pain with vaginal penetration?
• How satisfied are you with your current relationship?
• What form of birth control do you use?
• Do you use alcohol or recreational drugs? How much?
• What messages about sex did you get growing up?

What you can do in the meantime

Be open with your partner. Continue sexual activity, and also explore other ways of being intimate. Shifting the focus from orgasm to pleasure might help.