If you have heard of Death Grip Syndrome before, you likely assumed it only affects men. It is a slang term typically used to describe the phenomenon of desensitizing the penis by gripping it too hard when masturbating. However, it can affect women too, as discovered when one man took to social media complaining he could not make his girlfriend climax.
“While we have a decently active sex life, I struggle to make her finish or even come close,” 20-year-old Dylan says. “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.” But there is one thing that works: “She was able to climax by just squeezing her thighs together,” he adds on Reddit. His girlfriend can orgasm simply from the pressure of pressing her legs together tightly, and now that is the only way she can experience pleasure. Dylan questions if it is “female Death Grip Syndrome,” so we asked a doctor to shed light on the topic.
Can Women Get Death Grip Syndrome?
“There isn’t a formal medical term for this in women, but the pattern itself is something we do see,” Dr. Sima Al Asad, who focuses on women’s intimate health and cosmetic gynecology, tells 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.” It is not uncommon; it 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,” she adds. “The more consistent it is, the more the body starts to expect that same feeling.” It is not that there is anything physically wrong; it is about the body becoming conditioned.
What Are the Symptoms?
In women, DGS is fairly difficult to spot, largely because Dr. Al Asad says many women assume less sensitivity in their genitals is something personal, rather than recognizing the pattern. “One of the main signs is finding it difficult to respond to different types of stimulation,” she explains. “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. It can also feel like it takes longer, or requires more effort than before.” This can make intimacy feel frustrating, and aversion to different masturbation methods can lead to confusion or a sense that something isn’t right. This could result in anorgasmia, as Dr. Lawrence Cunningham previously told Metro when detailing DGS for men – a condition where you experience delayed, infrequent, or absent orgasms, a form of sexual dysfunction. In rarer cases, you can lose sensitivity in the clitoris, as it becomes conditioned to more pressure, so lighter touch doesn’t register. It is worth noting that Death Grip Syndrome is not the only reason for such issues. “There are other things that can affect sensitivity and response, including hormonal changes, stress, or conditions that cause discomfort or pain,” Dr. Al Asad adds. “Often, it’s not just one factor, it’s a combination of physical and emotional elements.”
Is It Reversible?
If you think this applies to you, you should not worry because both Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Al Asad agree DGS is usually reversible. Dr. Cunningham suggested: “Start with a change in masturbation habits; using a gentler touch and exploring different types of stimulation. Incorporating more mindful and varied sexual practices can also help. In some cases, professional counseling or sex therapy can provide additional support and strategies to regain sensitivity and sexual satisfaction.” Dr. Al Asad points out: “There’s no ‘normal’ or ‘correct’ way for someone to experience pleasure. Where this becomes relevant is when it starts to impact confidence or intimacy. Once women understand what’s happening, it often takes away a lot of the worry and pressure around it.”
