Female Childhood Orgasms: Findings From Adult Analysis

Abstract

Four women in analysis who experienced childhood orgasm are described, providing a contribution where sparse clinical data exist to date. My observations support the likelihood that childhood orgasm is a normal female potential, occurring spontaneously in some girls. Such experiences and associated fantasies may contribute to healthy female self-esteem and body image, to character development, and to pleasurable adult sexual functioning. In other girls, childhood orgasm precipitated by abuse, overstimulation, or severe conflict may result in rigid psychopathological defenses, sexual dysfunctions, or avoidance.

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Notes on contributors

Eleanor Schuker

Eleanor Schuker, M.D., is Training and Supervising Analyst at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, and in private practice.