Unable to achieve an orgasm

[Advice123]

Hello, my girlfriend has been struggling to achieve an orgasm and we're not sure why. She may stimulate herself through means of the clit, or internally fingering herself, but it's never enough to reach orgasm, and after a while it will begin to hurt and then she's unable to continue because she then doesn't feel anything anymore (physically)
Does anyone know why this may be, and what she can do to have an orgasm?

[Carly]

Hey Advice123 -- what you're describing is one of the most common things users write in to us to talk about on the boards. Our bodies are all so different, so sometimes it can be hard to tell someone exactly what will help in cases like this. One trend I do notice though is that it's very uncommon that there's actually something physically wrong. We do end up finding through talking with users that blockages to feeling pleasure often start with mental health difficulties like negative body image, gender dysphoria, anxiety, depression, discomfort, and frustration. Our brains are our biggest sexual organ, after all. Has your girlfriend ever experienced any of these? Sometimes the ongoing frustration of an issue can be the source of continued difficulties.