The meaning of heterosexual intercourse among women with Female Orgasmic Disorder.

INTRODUCTION

One of the most prevalent sexual dysfunctions in women, in both clinical and nonclinical samples, is Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD), which is characterized by difficulty in experiencing orgasm under some or all conditions of sexual stimulation (Heiman, 2000; Laumann, Gagnon, Michael, & Michaels, 1994; Simons & Carey, 2001). Clinical impressions and theoretical explanations of FOD (e.g., Heiman, 2000; Heiman & Grafton-Becker, 1989; Kaplan, 1974) suggest that the meaning women attach to sexual intercourse may play a central role in this dysfunction. However, only a paucity of research has been conducted dealing systematically with this subjective aspect of sexuality. The ...

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