A few weeks ago, I posted on Facebook about how the term, Male Orgasmic Disorder, was changed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, to “Delayed Ejaculation”. I have a different perspective now that I conducted more research. I read several studies recently where this change was a disservice to men. Ejaculation and orgasm are not the same thing. A man can ejaculate without orgasm and furthermore, the orgasm can be without pleasure. There is no reference now in the DSM to men having orgasmic dysfunctions or disorders. Men can ejaculate without orgasm. In fact, men can have ‘lifelong’ anorgasmia, like women, where they never orgasm, ‘situational’ anorgasmia, meaning they can orgasm, say during masturbation but not during partnered sex, as well as ‘acquired’ anorgasmia, meaning they used to orgasm but do not any longer.
This male orgasmic disorder can easily be disguised by ejaculation. Hence, internal suffering. No one knows they did not orgasm or that they orgasmed without pleasure. Orgasming without pleasure has only recently been discussed in science and there is very little research on it.
What is Orgasmic Anhedonia/ Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder (PDOD)?
Orgasmic Anhedonia, also called Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder, is a term used to describe when orgasm is experienced, but without pleasure. Both men and women can experience Orgasmic Anhedonia/Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder.
Why Orgasmic Anhedonia/ Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder needs to be in the DSM
These terms, Orgasmic Anhedonia and Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder, need to be in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is published in 20 languages and is used world-wide by mental health professionals. I venture to say that many sex therapists and doctors do not know Orgasmic Anhedonia/Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder exists. To that end, when I read about it, it is said to be “rare” . I do not believe it is rare. I believe it has not been studied enough to determine how many people actually have it. I had it for decades and I know others who have it or have had it. Not one of the four sex therapist I saw over a period of thirty years knew what I was talking about when I mentioned I could orgasm but I did not experience pleasure. To that end, Orgasmic Anhedonia/Pleasure Dissociative Orgasmic Disorder needs to be a diagnosis in the DSM so that therapists and mental health professionals know it exists and can help treat men and women who have it.
Below is a quote from Chapter 12, of a book titled, Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women that prompted me to write this post. The chapter is titled, Evaluation and Treatment of Orgasmic Dysfunctions. Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women.
“The DSM-V still does not address disorders of orgasm for the male, listing only those disorders of ejaculation. For the purposes of this commentary, orgasmic dysfunction in the male refers to those cases of diminished orgasmic sensation and those often referred to as “anesthetic ejaculation” or “orgasmic anhedonia.” For those looking for the mental health clinician’s perspective on rapid/premature ejaculation and/or delayed ejaculation”. Please refer to the commentary in Chap. 12.