Summary: For some pregnant women, achieving orgasm becomes much harder, and for others, it becomes impossible. This is a common problem that many females experience during pregnancy. However, it should not be a source of concern. In this article, we will explore the factors behind this happening.
1. Hormonal Changes
Hormone adjustments in the body occur regularly during pregnancy. The hormones like estrogen and progesterone contribute to the thickening of vaginal walls and increased blood flow. However, during pregnancy, these hormones may have a direct impact on sexual sensations. They might make the clitoris less sensitive, and as a result reduce or stop orgasms altogether.
Moreover, in the third trimester, the levels of the hormone oxytocin increases and contributes to the process of labor. This hormone induces uterine contractions during labor, but may also cause contractions when a female reaches orgasm. These contractions can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or painful.
To combat the loss of libido, there needs to be an understanding of the hormonal changes taking place. You can talk to your partner, explore other ways of intimacy, apply lubricants, or seek professional help.
2. Increased Body Size and Shape
In most cases, the physical body changes during pregnancy can affect how comfortable one feels about their sexuality. A larger body size makes it difficult to achieve certain sexual positions, and may end up causing physical discomfort and emotional distress.
For instance, a woman on her back during sex is not recommended beyond the second trimester. The weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, the main vein that carries blood back to the heart from the legs and feet. This pressure may restrict blood flow further and cause dizziness and shortness of breath.
The change in body shape can also result in the swelling of sexual organs and restricted blood flow, which leads to a reduction in the chances of achieving orgasm. Seeking new positions, using pillows for support, or exploring other forms of physical intimacy might be useful solutions during pregnancy.
3. Emotional Challenges
The emotional changes that occur during pregnancy can be as challenging as the physical ones. It carries with it plenty of changes and stressors, with new feelings about your body image, fear of childbirth, or feelings of anxiety or depression. Undoubtedly, these emotions become part of the pregnant woman’s journey, affecting their relationship with themselves and their partners.
Anxiety and depression cause a lack of interest in sex, which may lead to difficulties achieving orgasms. This is because psychological disturbances affect blood flow, affecting your ability to reach orgasm. Intimacy requires trust and relaxation, and facing these challenges can be emotionally draining. Communicating your apprehension with your partner is an excellent way to reduce anxieties and achieve happiness and satisfaction.
Therefore, it is essential to give emotional support and understanding as your partner goes through pregnancy. You can seek counseling or participate in couple therapy sessions that can help create coping mechanisms and enhance communication skills.
4. Physical Changes in Breasts
During pregnancy, most women experience breast enlargement, tenderness, and soreness. Hormonal fluctuations such as high prolactin levels, produced by the pituitary gland during pregnancy, trigger milk production for breastfeeding.
When breasts are touched, nipple stimulation leads to uterine contractions, which is why stimulating the breasts is a central feature of any lactation consultant’s toolkit. However, these contractions during this period can trigger Braxton-Hicks contractions (false labor) and cause discomfort during intimate activity, making it hard to achieve orgasm.
Women can overcome the struggle by engaging in different activities like showering together, using gentle massages or not engaging in any breast stimulation during sex if it is uncomfortable. Alternatively, you may opt for sexual positions that do not involve breast manipulation such as having intercourse from behind.
5. Fear of Miscarriage
Pregnancy can bring up feelings of vulnerability and anxiety about the health of your unborn baby. Anxiety may cause increased stress levels that lead to heartbeat irregularities or blood pressure changes. Seeking medical attention can help alleviate these fears, helping you achieve orgasm.
In pregnancy, the cervix becomes soft, which means that vaginal penetration could lead to a risk of miscarriage. This fear may increase the tension in the pelvic floor muscles and lead to an inability to climax. To address this issue, explore other ways of intimacy that will make you comfortable without vaginal penetration, including massages or watching erotic films together.
Conclusively, the inability to achieve orgasm during pregnancy is not unusual. Women can adopt different techniques to heighten their sexual satisfaction, such as communicating openly with their partner, trying new positions, getting counseling, and seeking professional medical care from a qualified health worker. Moreover, there are several reasons why orgasms may be harder to achieve during pregnancy. However, by understanding these factors, women can take appropriate steps to restore their sexual pleasure and enjoy the journey of pregnancy.