Emma Howard: Hello! We're answering questions on sexual health. I'm joined by Dr. Catherine Hood. Hello Catherine!
Dr. Catherine Hood: Hello!
Emma Howard: A question here from a 34-year-old, who even though, she says, I enjoy sex, I'm not sure if I've ever had an orgasm, wants to know how can I tell if I've ever had one or not?
Dr. Catherine Hood: That's very difficult, actually. I mean, it's a misconception that all women orgasm all the time or have multiple orgasms. If you're really not sure, that can be really quite daunting, thinking on what's wrong with me. The fact is that there are probably about 10% of women who never orgasm. And that doesn't mean they don't enjoy sex or have a satisfying sex life. They do, it's just that they have what's called a high orgasmic threshold. So in order to reach that level of release, it takes a lot more stimulation than perhaps normal.
I think, the first thing is to find out what works for you and lot of women, again, are very nervous about touching their own bodies. I've seen something that they tend to get better as they get older. So, she's in now her 30s, and I hope that she feels comfortable enough to actually spend some time trying to work out what does it for her. Women are not brought up in terms of -- we don't talk about masturbation off a lot, but it's a thing that a lot of women do, and it's a great way to actually work out what works for you. Unless you know what stimulates you, how would you expect your partner would be able to do for you in the bedroom.
Emma Howard: Yes.
Dr. Catherine Hood: Yeah. So take some time out, learn to relax, let go, and just touch yourself, get used to touching yourself. Sometimes, people find vibrators help in terms of giving good clitoral stimulation, because stimulation of the clitoris is very important for most women in terms of reaching climax. It maybe that your partner is not doing that quite enough for you. So find out yourself what works, once you know how to get yourself there, you can teach your partner how to get you there --
Emma Howard: And might be easier to let go. The key is to on your own first of all.
Dr. Catherine Hood: Absolutely, because when you've got the other person there, you might feel watched or judged or you need to perform, so do it on your own without a lot of pressure first.
Emma Howard: Very good advice, thank you very much. If you have a similar problem, we hope we might have given you some help. But remember, it's always best to go and see your own doctor for medical advice. Thanks for watching. We'll be back with more health questions and answers.
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