Jo Hemmings, a behavioural psychologist specialising in sex and relationships, says:
? Anorgasmia is the inability to have an orgasm due to anxiety and not being able to relax during sex.
? While it can be caused by hormonal imbalances, diabetes or even pelvic trauma, the psychological reason behind it is often coming from a family where sex was either never discussed or perhaps disapproved of.
? Around 10% of women in the UK are anorgasmic, never having experienced an orgasm with a partner or on their own. Of these, around half have a psychological origin. Talking to your GP or a sex therapist can help women realise the occurrence is much more common than feared.
? Almost all women can achieve an orgasm, but around 75% find it difficult through just sexual intercourse alone. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relaxation techniques can help break the vicious cycle of anxiety and help women to understand why negative patterns have emerged.