Can women enjoy sex without orgasm? This question is frequently asked and may be of great concern to women who are anxious about their sexual performance. Bardwick's data indicate that pleasant sensations are associated with "ripples" during the plateau phase. Others feel that nongenital sensations of physical and emotional closeness may be satisfying. Dissatisfaction may be engendered by a performance-oriented outlook in which orgasm or multiple orgasms become the primary goal. Women whose partners evaluate themselves in terms of the woman's satisfaction may be programmed to be orgasmic for the man's sake. Barring high levels of sexual tension, the woman who has not become more than mildly excited probably does not feel frustrated without orgasm. Although nonorgasmic coitus can produce adverse physical symptoms such as pelvic heaviness and low back discomfort, some women do appear to enjoy sex without orgasm.