Here we classify orgasmic dysfunctions, on the basis of one single central parameter - the subjectively reported orgasmic experience, into four broad categories. They represent the discrepancy between one’s idealized expectation and one’s actual experience.

1. Early Orgasmic Response - (EOR): This category includes cases in which orgasm is experienced earlier than one’s idealized expectations, which are within rational limits.
2. Delayed Orgasmic Response - (DOR): This category includes cases in which orgasm does ultimately occur, but is delayed beyond one’s idealized expectations, which are within rational limits.
3. Impaired Orgasmic Response - (IOR): This category includes cases in which there is a reduction in the intensity of orgasmic pleasure.
4. Absent Orgasmic Response - (AOR): This category includes cases in which there is a complete failure to experience orgasmic pleasure.

This classification, based on one central subjective parameter provides conceptual clarity, specific terminologies for different disorders, uniformly encompasses all known male and female disorders, gives information whether a disorder is primary or secondary to some other pathology, and has the scope to include other associated parameters, if and when they are disturbed, along with the main diagnosis.

Orgasm represents the zenith of human pleasurable experiences. ‘Orgasm’ is derived from the Greek word ‘orgaos’ which means ‘to swell, with lust. This literal translation very appropriately encompasses the true essence of orgasm.

Orgasm is defined as, ‘an explosive cerebrally encoded neuromuscular response, at the peak of ‘sexual arousal by psycho biological stimuli, the pleasurable sensations of which are experienced in association with dispensable pelvic physiological concomitants’.

Sex is not merely the means to an end (procreation). It is both, the means to an end, as well as an end in itself (pleasure). Nature, with its natural masterstroke, of providing an inherently sensual pleasure oriented side to our personality, has ingeniously accomplished this dual objective (pleasure + procreation). An attempt to rationalize the philosophy of sex undisputedly establishes the fact that humans indulge in sex to gratify their inherent pleasure instinct. One indulges in sexual activity for what one ‘gets’ out of it, and not for what one ‘may beget’ out of it. One indulges, not to ‘lose’ fluids but to ‘gain’ an orgasm.

The pleasure principle has, is and always will be ‘principal’.