The condition is sometimes classified as a psychiatric disorder. However, it can also be caused by medical problems such as diabetic neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, genital mutilation, complications from genital surgery, pelvic trauma (such as from a straddle injury caused by falling on the bars of a climbing frame, bicycle or gymnastics beam), hormonal imbalances, total hysterectomy, spinal cord injury, cauda equina syndrome, uterine embolisation, childbirth trauma (vaginal tearing through the use of forceps or suction or a large or unclosed episiotomy), vulvodynia and cardiovascular disease.^[1]

A common cause of situational anorgasmia, in both men and women, is the use of anti-depressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is a name given to a reported iatrogenic sexual dysfunction caused by the previous use of SSRI antidepressants. Though reporting of anorgasmia as a side effect of SSRIs is not precise, it is estimated that 15–50% of users of such medications are affected by this condition^{[citation needed]}. The chemical amantadine has been shown to relieve SSRI-induced anorgasmia in some, but not all, people.^{[weasel words][citation needed]}

Another cause of anorgasmia is opiate addiction, particularly to heroin.^[2] Beat icon William S. Burroughs chronicled this problem (amongst many others) in his novel Naked Lunch.

About 15% of women report difficulties with orgasm, and as many as 10% of women in the United States have never climaxed.^[3][4][5] Only 29% of women always have orgasms with their partner.^[6]