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Anorgasmia is a general term used to describe the absence of orgasm during sexual activity. Anorgasmia falls under the broader categories of Female Orgasmic Disorder. It is typically defined as the absence of orgasm in all or almost sexual encounters over a minimum duration of 6 months. In order for it to be considered under the category of Female Orgasmic Disorder rather than just orgasmic dysfunction, symptoms must cause clinically significant distress.This can be further broken down to identify whether the anorgasmia has been present for one’s entire life and someone has never experienced an orgasm, versus whether it was acquired despite having previously been able to orgasm (the most common type). Anorgasmia can also be specific to certain situations, or be generalized. Individuals may also experience other issues with orgasming under Female Orgasmic Disorder such as marked delay and infrequency of orgasm.

It is difficult to assess how many women truly experience anorgasmia as the data available only represent the number of women who were surveyed. The estimated number of women with primary anorgasmia is approximately 4-10%. Several studies spanning from different continents estimate secondary anorgasmia to occur in approximately 20-30% of women.

It is important to note that orgasms can vary in intensity and sensation from individual to individual, and from each different sexual event. Not everyone will ejaculate with orgasms.