Improve Sexual Function and the Ability to Achieve Orgasm with Pelvic Floor Therapy

What is an orgasm? Why do some people have difficulty achieving orgasm? How can pelvic floor therapy help?

An orgasm is a combination of physiological and psychological responses to sexual stimulation. The responses include:

1. Sexual stimulation: An orgasm is typically triggered by sexual stimulation - physical touch, visual or auditory cues and/or mental arousal. Sexual stimulation activates the sympathetic nervous system.

2. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system: is the release of hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Then the parasympathetic nervous system is activated.

3. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system: causes the release of

1. Oxytocin referred to as the "love hormone" because it is associated with bonding and intimacy.

2. Endorphins, natural painkillers that can produce feelings of euphoria.

4. Contraction of the pelvic muscles: As sexual arousal reaches its peak, the pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically, resulting in intense pleasure and tension release. Men experience orgasm resulting in ejaculation.

5. Resolution: After orgasm, heart rate, blood pressure and respiration gradually return to normal.
   

Physiological and psychological responses vary from person to person, depending on a wide range of factors including age, health, sexual experience and personal preferences.

Types of Orgasm Dysfunction:

1. Anorgasmia is a condition in which an individual has difficulty achieving orgasm for the first time or they lose the ability to achieve an orgasm. Men and women experience anorgasmia. It is caused by a variety of factors including anxiety, depression, medications (VERY common), medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances and neurological disorders. Treatment may involve addressing physical or psychological causes, exploring different types of sexual stimulation or seeking the assistance of a therapist, physical therapist or other medical professional.

2. Dysorgasmia or painful orgasm may be caused by:

• pelvic floor muscle disorders

• infection or inflammation

• sexual trauma, such as sexual abuse

• medications

• prostate issues - In males, prostate issues such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer can cause pain during orgasm.
  

Pelvic floor physical therapy may help improve sexual function and the ability to achieve orgasm:

1. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles that play a role in orgasm, such as the pubococcygeus (PC) muscle. Strengthening can improve control over orgasm and increase the intensity of the orgasm.

2. Relieving pelvic pain which can be a barrier to achieving orgasm. Manual therapy, myofascial release, stretching lower extremity, stretching using dilators and relaxation exercises can help alleviate pain and improve sexual function.

3. Improving breath work - changing breathing patterns to improve orgasm and ejaculation.

4. Improving blood flow - therapy can help increase blood flow to the pelvic region, which may enhance sexual sensation and improve the ability to achieve orgasm. Blood flow can also help heal damaged tissue or nerves.

5. Addressing psychological and other factors - your pelvic floor physical therapist can refer to appropriate mental health counselors and physicians trained specifically in this area.
   

It is important to consult with a healthcare provider or pelvic floor physical therapist to determine if therapy is appropriate for you. If you have questions and want to speak with one of our physical therapists, email us at info@solsticept.com or call (929) 269-2505 to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation.