Dear gyrl86,

Women and men can have orgasms while they sleep and many people can have orgasms without a sexual partner by masturbating. In fact, many women — about one out of three — experience difficulty in reaching orgasm during sex with a partner.

Masturbation is touching one's own sex organs for pleasure. Most women who reach orgasm with a partner have previously experienced orgasm through masturbation. Women who have not ever had an orgasm may want to try to masturbate to orgasm to learn what pleases them. It may take several different sessions to achieve orgasm. Women who want to try this should take their time.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.