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Topics: Sex and Relationships
Rhianna Benson
For years, men have been warned about the horror that is 'death grip syndrome'.
It's a slang term used to describe masturbating with so tight a hold that it causes the penis to lose some of its much-needed sensitivity.
More seriously, though, 'death grip syndrome' is a genuine sexual dysfunction that can make it considerably trickier to achieve orgasm, or to maintain erections during partnered sex.
As it turns out, however, it's not just a condition that affects men - something one boyfriend recently discovered.
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Taking to Reddit, 'Dylan', 20, complained that his other-half's ability to climax has steadily been axed over the years.
"While we have a decently active sex life, I struggle to make her finish or even come close," he confessed. "She cannot get herself off by touching herself… and me even less. Fingering inside feels good for her for about a minute or so, then she loses the feeling."
Despite this, 'Dylan' claimed his girlfriend has proven able to achieve the big-O in another way.
"She was able to climax by just squeezing her thighs together," he added, wondering if his Mrs could possibly be affected by female 'death grip syndrome'.
And according to women's intimate health expert and cosmetic gynaecologist, Dr Sima Al Asad, it's entirely plausible.
"There isn’t a formal medical term for this in women, but the pattern itself is something we do see," she recently told Metro. "Over time, the body can get used to a certain type of stimulation, especially if it’s repeated in the same way.
"That can make other types of touch feel less effective by comparison."
She added: "It’s actually not uncommon, rather it’s something that forms gradually if you are masturbating the same way every time – just like it happens for men. If someone is used to a very specific level of pressure, position or type of stimulation, the body adapts to that.
"The more consistent it is, the more the body starts to expect that same feeling."
Recognising the symptoms of the condition can be just as difficult as orgasming in the first place.
"One of the main signs is finding it difficult to respond to different types of stimulation," Dr Al Asam explained.
"Some women might notice that they can only reach orgasm in one specific way, or that other types of touch don’t feel as effective as they used to."
She continued: "It can also feel like it takes longer, or requires more effort than before."
Thankfully, however, being that the condition is more behavioural than medical, it's reversible.
Experts at Healthline advise anyone suffering from 'death grip syndrome' to take a break from masturbating for at least 2 weeks, use considerably lighter pressure, and reduce pornography consumption.