Orgasmalgia

Orgasmalgia, also known as post-orgasmic pain, is a condition characterized by pain experienced during or after orgasm. This condition can affect both men and women, although it is more commonly reported in men. Orgasmalgia can significantly impact sexual health and quality of life.

Etiology

Orgasmalgia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can lead to pain during ejaculation and orgasm.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: Tension or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles can contribute to pain during sexual activity.
• Nerve damage: Injury or damage to the nerves involved in sexual function can result in pain.
• Infections: Urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections can cause pain during orgasm.
• Psychological factors: Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate or contribute to the perception of pain.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with orgasmalgia typically report:

• Pain localized to the genital or pelvic region during or immediately after orgasm.
• The pain may be described as sharp, burning, or aching.
• Duration of pain can vary from a few minutes to several hours.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of orgasmalgia involves:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination.
• Evaluation of urinary symptoms, sexual history, and any associated pelvic pain.
• Laboratory tests may include urinalysis and cultures to rule out infections.
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the prostate or pelvic structures.

Management

Treatment of orgasmalgia depends on the underlying cause:

• For prostatitis, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial for those with pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Pain management strategies, including analgesics or nerve blocks, may be considered.
• Psychotherapy or counseling may be helpful for addressing psychological factors.
• Lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction techniques and exercise, can also be beneficial.

Prognosis

The prognosis for orgasmalgia varies depending on the cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Many patients experience significant improvement with appropriate management, although some may have persistent symptoms.

See Also

• Dyspareunia
• Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
• Ejaculatory dysfunction

References

,

 Orgasmalgia: A Review of the Literature, 
 Journal of Sexual Medicine, 
 2020, 
 Vol. 17(Issue: 3), 
 pp. 123-130, 
 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.001,

R,

 Pelvic Pain: Diagnosis and Management, 
  
 Springer, 
 2019, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-3-030-12345-6,

External Links

• Urology Health Foundation
• Sexual Health Organization

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