The female orgasm is remains shrouded in mystery and is often dismissed in societal discussions around sex and intimacy.

For hundreds of years the male orgasm has been researched and studied but it was only in 1992 that the US National Institutes of Health only set up a programme to research vaginal health.

The NHS defines an orgasm as a feeling of intense pleasure that happens during sexual activity.

As a result of this discrepancy in public conversation, women are often left in the dark with regards to the details of the their anatomy, meaning that for some, sex isn’t always as pleasurable as it should be.

And those who struggle to orgasm might think there’s something wrong with them, when in fact the issue could be much easier to resolve than they might think.

Orgasm problems can be divided into two types: primary – when a woman has never had an orgasm – and secondary – when a woman has had an orgasm in the past, but can’t now. The general term applied to those who have difficulty reaching orgasm is anorgasmia.

The Independent spoke to a gynaecologist and a psychosexual therapist to uncover the seven reasons why women may not reach orgasm – and how to combat them.

1. Alcohol intake

Too much alcohol can impact the blood flow to your clitoris, which is, for most women, the part of the vulva that requires stimulation in order to reach orgasm, explains Dr Shree Datta, a gynaecologist for Intima.

“Smoking can have an impact, too,” she adds.

“So if you find yourself struggling to orgasm, think about how much you are drinking or smoking in relation to the severity of your symptoms.”

2. Communication issues

Being able to tell your partner what you want and how you like it is integral to good sex and reaching orgasm, notes Kate Moyle, psychosexual therapist for Lelo.

“Your partner is not a mind reader, and if you aren’t able to tell them, then they won’t necessarily know,” she explains.

“Being positive, non-critical, and encouraging is the best way to approach it. Not ‘you aren’t doing that right’, more ‘ I really enjoyed it when you X, could we try that again?’ or be direct and clear rather than ambiguous, so offering specific instructions that are easy for them to follow, or show them what would feel good by guiding their hands on your body.”

3. Lack of body confidence

Not feeling comfortable in your own skin can have an adverse effect on your sex life, says Moyle.

“This can inhibit our ability to be in the moment,” she explains.

“This is because negative thoughts prevent us from letting go and allowing the physical sensations to be the focus.”

You can read more about how to feel more body confident here.

4. Medical conditions

There are a number of medical conditions that can make it difficult or impossible for women to orgasm.

For example, multiple sclerosis can affect your ability to climax, notes Dr Datta.

Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Show all 19 1 /19 Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union The couples matched in matching Dundas on the red carpet. The actress wore a floor-length cardigan on top of the dress, which featured a high slit in the middle to show off her black high heels. Meanwhile, her husband wore a headpiece and black suit that matched Union’s bejewelled look. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Tom Brady and Gisele Budchen The pair wore matching shades of pink on the red carpet. Bündchen looked chic in a pleated metallic pink gown by Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri. Meanwhile, the sportsman wore a velvet dark pink tuxedo. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz The couple contrasted with the light pink red carpet in matching green ensembles. Keys wore a hooded light green sequined dress for the occasion while her beau wore a dark green tuxedo jacket and black trousers. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez The newly-engaged couple stunned on the pink carpet. Lopez arrived with her fiancé in a silver sequined-encrusted dress with a deep V-neck plunge and matching headpiece. Meanwhile, Rodriguez wore a pink suit. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner The pair looked like they’d just stepped out of a video game, with Jenner donning a purple wig and sheer lavender-coloured dress by Versace for the occasion. The reality star’s ensemble featured matching coloured feathered sleeves, while her boyfriend wore a brown and black Dior military-inspired suit. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner The newly-married couple attended their first Met Gala together this year. The Game of Thrones star wore a Louis Vuitton two-piece ensemble, which had the appearance of a jumpsuit, with an oversized belt. Jonas, meanwhile, coordinated with his wife’s look in a black suit that featured multi-coloured embelishments. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Chopra looked every inch as regal as she did on her wedding day to Nick Jonas last year in this stunning silver Dior Haute Couture gown at the Gala. the dress featured feathered ruffles and a matching cape, and was paired with a silver crown and Chopard jewellery. Standing by her side was Jonas, who wore a white Dior Men tuxedo, Chopard jewellery and silver Christian Louboutin shoes. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet James Corden and Julia Carey The presenter and his wife matched in black and baby pink at the Gala. The comedian teamed his look with a matching neck tie, waist coat and patent black dress shoes. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Kim Kardashian-West and her husband caused a frenzy on the red carpet. The reality star wore a nude ensemble designed by Mugler, while her husband wore a black jacket and trousers. "This is the first time in 20 years that Mr. Mugler has designed for the House of Thierry Mugler," the media mogul told E! News' Zuri Hall on E!'s Live From the Red Carpet at the Met Gala. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Megalyn Echikunwoke and Chris Rock The duo posed side-by-side a pose on the Met Gala stairs. Echikunwoke wore a textured terracotta-coloured patterned dress for the occasion which featured a high neck and cascading mini dress that ran into an elongated train. Meanwhile, her beau kept things simple in a black tuxedo. AFP/Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Zoe Saldana and Marco Perego The pair channelled disco glamour on the pink carpet at the event. The couple, who have been married for six years, looked effortlessly chid as Saldana teamed her sequined rust-coloured dress by Michael Kors with a matching necktie, sequinned satin clutch, snakeskin platform heels, and purple embellished glowers in her hair. Her husband, meanwhile, kept it causal in a black tuxedo with an open-collared white shirt. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Charles Melton and Camila Mendes Riverdale's Camila Mendes and Charles Melton attended their first Met Gala together this evening. Mendes wore a yellow feathered Prabal Gurung gown with a light blue bow tied around the back while her beau complemented her look in a dark Sies Marjan suit. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth The pair made their Met Gala pink carpet debut in coordinating looks. The singer wore a Saint Laurent sequin striped dress with a pair of sheer black dotted patterned leggings. Meanwhile, her husband wore a black suit that matched his wife’s outfit, perfectly. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter turned things up a notch in their matching ensembles. The actor didn’t hold back in his all-white suit and fedora, while his wife donned a strapless lilac-hued dress with oversized billowing sleeves. Getty Images Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart The Riverdale pair might have looked like they’d stepped from the pages of a children’s novel at tonight’s gala but their outfits surely packed a sartorial punch. Reinhart wore a blue strapless romper dress with oversized sleeves and a long train, while her beau wore a matching red sleeveless suit jacket and trousers that featured a floral motif. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Williams stole the show on the night in a pair of neon yellow Nike trainers designed by Virgil Abloh and a bright yellow Versace floral-printed dress. She walked the red carpet with her husband of two years, who wore a black and white tuxedo. PA Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Baz Luhrmann, left, and Catherine Martin Director Baz Luhrmann and his wife Catherine Martin matched in various shades of pink. Martin’s look capitalised on the night’s biggest trend –feathers – with the detailing featuring on the hem of her cuff and trouser legs. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo showed their patriotic side, dressed in a stars and striped motif inspired by the US flag. (Credit too long, see caption) Couples on the Met Gala 2019 red carpet Kris Jenner and Corey Gamble Jenner looked almost unrecognisable in a blonde wig at the event, dressed in a custom jumpsuit and jacket from Tommy Hilfiger. Her partner, Corey Gamble, coordinated with Jenner’s look in a matching blue tuxedo. (Credit too long, see caption)

“Make sure you seek treatment early to combat these conditions,” she adds.

Additionally, certain medications for pre-existing conditions could inhibit a woman’s ability to orgasm.

“Antidepressants and antihistamines can depress orgasms,” says Dr Datta, ”so make sure you regularly review the type and dose of medication you are taking with your doctor.”

5. Sexual stimulation

A simple explanation for a woman’s difficulty to orgasm could be the way they are being stimulated during sex.

This is one of the more common reasons that women don’t orgasm, says Moyle.

“The best way to work out what feels best for you, because although anatomy is similar, all bodies are different as are our preferences is self-exploration.

“This shouldn’t just be on your genitals, but all over your body to build pleasure and sensations.”

Additionally, it’s worth considering that most women require clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm and don’t climax from penetration alone, notes Dr Datta.

“With that in mind, sexual foreplay is important. Additionally, think about different positions and guided masturbation which may increase arousal.”

6. Social pressures

Social pressures such as stress, financial and work hardships, may affect your ability to climax during sex, explains Dr Datta.

“This can also include relationship problems, particularly if there is mistrust or conflicts that have not been addressed,” she adds.

In these instances, couples counselling, as well as sex therapy, could be helpful, Dr Datta suggests.

7. Mental wellbeing

Your mental wellbeing can also contribute to your ability to climax, says Dr Datta.

“For example, if you suffer from depression or anxiety, you may have difficulty reaching an orgasm.”