What’s Stopping You From Having an Orgasm? 5 Common Barriers and How to Overcome Them

ninaniehues
Sep 29
2 min read

Orgasms are often seen as the pinnacle of sexual pleasure, but they’re not always easy to achieve—and that’s okay! Many factors can stand in the way, from stress to physical challenges. Let’s break down five common barriers to orgasm and share practical tips to help you overcome them.

1. Stress and Mental Overload

Your brain is your biggest sex organ, and stress can hijack it. Worrying about work, life, or performance can make it hard to stay present.

Solution: Try mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or a quick meditation before intimacy. Our free Yoni Self-Image Meditation and Feminine Embodiment Practices can help you relax and reconnect. Click here to access.

2. Lack of Communication

Not knowing what feels good—or not sharing it with a partner—can stall pleasure. Many people hesitate to vocalize their needs.

Solution: Start small. Share one thing you enjoy, like, “I love when you touch me slowly here.” Practice makes it easier!
Download Before We Touch a guided PDF for conscious lovers to increase intimacy and pleasure.

3. Physical Discomfort

Pain, dryness, or tension can make orgasms elusive. Physical comfort is key to relaxation and pleasure.

Solution: Use a quality lubricant or extra virgin coconut oil (more on that in our natural lubrication post!) and explore positions that feel good for your body.
Try Pelvic Floor exercises - known as Pompoir. Pompoir exercises help to reconnect your mind to your vagina and therefore enhance bloodflow, vitality and create new neuropathways of pleasure between the brain and the genitals. Try this guided exercise on how to strengthen and soften your pelvic floor.

4. Unrealistic Expectations

Porn and media often portray orgasms as instant and explosive, but real life is different. Pressure to “perform” can block pleasure.

Solution: Focus on the journey, not the destination. Explore what feels good without a goal. Solo play can help you learn your body’s cues.

5. Medical or Hormonal Factors

Hormonal changes, medications, or health conditions like depression can affect arousal and orgasm.

Solution: Consult a healthcare provider to rule out medical issues. Lifestyle changes, like better sleep or exercise, can also help.

Orgasms are personal, and there’s no “right” way to experience them. Be patient with yourself and explore what works for you. Want more tips? Visit https://www.ninaniehues.com for resources, and follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/embodiedwithnina/ for daily inspiration and polls!