How does the female orgasm work physiologically. What percentage of women struggle to achieve orgasm. Can women experience multiple orgasms. What evolutionary purpose might female orgasms serve.

The Physiology of Female Orgasm: What Happens in the Body

The female orgasm is a complex physiological event involving various bodily systems. When a woman reaches climax, several key processes occur:

• Rhythmic, involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles
• Increased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure
• Release of oxytocin, the “love hormone”
• Activation of dopamine-associated brain areas
• Engagement of brain regions linked to emotions, sensory integration, and motor control

The pelvic floor muscle contractions serve a crucial purpose. They help move blood out of the engorged tissues of the clitoris and vulva, allowing these areas to return to their normal, non-aroused state. This process is essential for completing the sexual response cycle.

Oxytocin levels rise during sexual arousal and are believed to peak during orgasm. This hormone plays a significant role in bonding and emotional connection. Meanwhile, the activation of dopamine-related brain areas contributes to the pleasurable sensations associated with orgasm.

The Brain’s Role in Female Orgasm

Brain imaging studies have revealed fascinating insights into the neural activity during female orgasm. Several key areas show increased activation:

• Emotional processing centers
• Sensory integration regions
• Higher-level thinking areas
• Motor cortex regions associated with pelvic floor control

Of particular interest is the right angular gyrus, a brain region that may be responsible for the altered state of consciousness some women report experiencing during orgasm. This phenomenon highlights the profound impact orgasm can have on perception and awareness.

Anorgasmia: Understanding the Inability to Orgasm

Anorgasmia, the inability to achieve orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation, affects a significant portion of women. In Australia, 21% of women aged 20-64 report being unable to climax. While this condition doesn’t pose direct physical health risks, it can have significant psychological and emotional impacts.

Women with anorgasmia often experience:

• Shame and feelings of inadequacy
• Anxiety surrounding sexual encounters
• Distress and detachment during intercourse
• Difficulty forming or maintaining intimate relationships

These negative emotions may be rooted in societal expectations and the historical suppression of female sexual pleasure. For many women, the ability to orgasm represents empowerment and sexual fulfillment. Consequently, the inability to reach climax can lead to feelings of inadequacy or “brokenness.”

Addressing Anorgasmia

It’s important to recognize that orgasms aren’t universally crucial for sexual satisfaction. Some women find fulfillment in sexual experiences without reaching climax. However, for those distressed by anorgasmia, several approaches may help:

• Exploring different types of stimulation, particularly focusing on the clitoris
• Seeking guidance from sexual health professionals
• Utilizing sex education resources and “sextech” designed to enhance female sexual experiences
• Addressing underlying psychological factors through therapy or counseling

Understanding that more than 80% of women don’t orgasm from vaginal stimulation alone can help alleviate pressure and encourage exploration of other pleasurable sensations.

Multiple Orgasms: Fact or Fiction?

The phenomenon of multiple orgasms in women has long fascinated researchers and the public alike. While popular culture often portrays multiple orgasms as common, scientific data presents a more nuanced picture.

A survey conducted by an online dating site suggested that 77% of women have experienced multiple orgasms. However, academic research indicates a much lower prevalence, with only about 14% of women reporting this experience.

The Nature of Multiple Orgasms

For women who do experience multiple orgasms, the sensations can vary:

• Some report the second orgasm as the most intense
• Subsequent orgasms may decrease in intensity
• The experience can differ greatly from one woman to another

It’s crucial to note that the ability to have multiple orgasms is not an indicator of sexual prowess or satisfaction. Many women find single orgasms equally or more satisfying, and some prefer sexual experiences without orgasm at all.

Practical Considerations for Multiple Orgasms

For those exploring multiple orgasms, maintaining adequate lubrication is essential. Prolonged stimulation without sufficient lubrication can lead to discomfort or pain. Using personal lubricants can enhance comfort and pleasure during extended sexual activity.

Approximately 50% of women report using vibrators to achieve orgasm or multiple orgasms. While some concerns have been raised about potential desensitization from vibrator use, research suggests any effects are typically mild and temporary.

The Evolutionary Perspective on Female Orgasm

The evolutionary purpose of female orgasm has been a subject of debate among researchers. Three main theories have emerged:

1. Reproductive success enhancement
2. Pair-bonding facilitation
3. Non-adaptive byproduct of evolution

The third theory, suggesting that female orgasms serve no direct evolutionary purpose, is gaining traction among many researchers. This perspective posits that female orgasms exist as a byproduct of embryonic development, where male and female genitals develop similarly until about six weeks’ gestation.

Implications of the Non-Adaptive Theory

If female orgasms indeed lack a specific evolutionary purpose, it doesn’t diminish their importance or value. This perspective can actually be liberating, removing pressure to view orgasms as necessary for reproduction or relationship success. Instead, it allows for a more personal and diverse understanding of sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

The Role of Psychosocial Factors in Female Orgasm

While the physiological aspects of female orgasm are crucial, psychosocial factors play an equally important role in sexual satisfaction and orgasmic ability. Research has identified several key elements that influence the frequency and intensity of female orgasms:

• Sexual desires and preferences
• Self-esteem and body image
• Openness of sexual communication with partners
• General mental health and well-being
• Cultural and societal attitudes towards female sexuality

These factors highlight the complex interplay between mind and body in female sexual response. A holistic approach to understanding and enhancing female orgasms must consider both physiological and psychological aspects.

The Impact of Communication and Relationship Dynamics

Open and honest communication about sexual preferences and desires can significantly enhance a woman’s ability to achieve orgasm. Partners who are attentive to each other’s needs and comfortable discussing sexuality often report higher levels of sexual satisfaction.

Additionally, the overall quality of the relationship can influence orgasmic ability. Factors such as trust, emotional intimacy, and mutual respect contribute to a positive sexual environment, potentially enhancing orgasmic experiences.

The Phenomenon of Faking Orgasms

The practice of faking orgasms is surprisingly common, with approximately two-thirds of women reporting having done so at least once. This behavior raises important questions about sexual communication, expectations, and satisfaction.

Reasons for Faking Orgasms

Women cite various reasons for simulating orgasms:

• To boost their own self-esteem or confidence
• To make their partners feel better or more successful
• To end sexual encounters they’re no longer enjoying
• To meet perceived societal or partner expectations

While faking orgasms might seem like a harmless way to navigate complex sexual situations, it can have negative consequences. It may reinforce ineffective sexual techniques, hinder open communication, and ultimately lead to decreased sexual satisfaction for both partners.

Addressing the Issue of Faked Orgasms

Encouraging honest communication about sexual pleasure and orgasm can help reduce the prevalence of faked orgasms. This might involve:

• Educating both men and women about the diversity of sexual responses
• Promoting the idea that orgasm isn’t the sole measure of sexual satisfaction
• Encouraging partners to focus on overall pleasure rather than performance
• Fostering an environment where women feel comfortable expressing their true sexual experiences

The Impact of Technology on Female Orgasm Research and Experience

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing both the study and experience of female orgasms. From sophisticated brain imaging techniques to innovative sex toys, technology is opening new avenues for understanding and enhancing female sexual pleasure.

Research Technologies

Cutting-edge research tools are providing unprecedented insights into the physiology of female orgasm:

• fMRI scans to observe brain activity during arousal and orgasm
• Biofeedback devices to measure pelvic floor muscle contractions
• Hormone level monitoring for precise tracking of biochemical changes

These technologies allow researchers to gather more accurate and detailed data about the orgasmic process, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment of sexual dysfunctions.

Consumer Technologies

The rise of “sextech” is empowering women to explore and enhance their sexual experiences:

• Advanced vibrators with customizable settings
• Apps for tracking sexual health and satisfaction
• Virtual reality experiences for sexual exploration
• Teledildonics for long-distance intimate connections

While these technologies offer exciting possibilities, it’s important to approach them mindfully. The goal should be to enhance natural sexual experiences rather than replace human connection.

As research into female orgasms continues to evolve, our understanding of this complex physiological and psychological phenomenon deepens. From the intricate workings of the brain and body during climax to the societal and personal factors influencing sexual satisfaction, the study of female orgasms encompasses a wide range of disciplines. By embracing a holistic, scientifically-informed approach to female sexuality, we can foster greater understanding, acceptance, and fulfillment in sexual experiences.

4 things about female orgasms researchers actually study

Cardi B’s song WAP and the Netflix show Sex Education place female orgasms on centre stage in popular culture.

But female orgasms are also the subject of serious academic research.

Here’s a snapshot of what research tells us about female orgasms, what we don’t know, and what researchers want to find out.

Read more:
From reproducers to ‘flutters’ to ‘sluts’: tracing attitudes to women’s pleasure in Australia

1. When women orgasm, what actually happens?

When women orgasm, their pelvic floor muscles contract rhythmically and involuntarily. These contractions are thought to help move blood out of erect tissues of the clitoris and vulva, allowing them to return to their usual flaccid (floppy) state.

During sexual arousal and orgasm, women’s heart rate, respiration rate and blood pressure also rise.

Read more:
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Levels of oxytocin, known as the “love hormone”, increase during sexual arousal and are thought to peak during orgasm.

The areas of the brain associated with dopamine, the “happy hormone”, are activated in men and women.

And in women, other areas of the brain are activated further during sexual arousal and peak with orgasm. These include those associated with emotions, the integration of sensory information and emotions, higher-level thinking, and motor areas associated with pelvic floor muscles.

The “right angular gyrus” part of the brain may also be linked with an altered state of consciousness some women say they experience when they orgasm.

Read more:
Health Check: does the ‘G-spot’ exist?

What is trickier to determine is how the body and brain relate. We know the frequency and intensity of female orgasms depends on a range of complex psychosocial factors, including a woman’s sexual desires, self-esteem, openness of sexual communication with their partner, and general mental health.

2. Not all women orgasm.

Is that a problem?

Orgasms are not a big deal for all women, and that’s completely normal.

And 21% of Australian women aged 20-64 say they cannot climax. From a simplistic biological viewpoint, anorgasmia (the inability to orgasm despite adequate sexual stimulation) is also not a problem. However, women with anorgasmia often report shame, inadequacy, anxiety, distress and detachment surrounding intercourse and orgasm.

These negative emotions might be related to the long history of suppression, and now celebration, of women’s sexual pleasure.

For many women, orgasms represent empowerment. Understandably, then, anorgasmia can leave women feeling as though there is something wrong with them. Some might fake orgasm, which around two-thirds report doing. This is usually to make them feel better about themselves, or to make their partners feel better.

Many women say they fake their orgasms, as portrayed in the classic movie When Harry Met Sally.

More than 80% of women won’t orgasm from vaginal stimulation alone. So if anorgasmia is a problem, trying different types of stimulation might help, particularly clitoral stimulation.

When anorgasmia leads to negative feelings or gets in the way of forming or sustaining healthy sexual relationships, it becomes a problem. But certain websites, “sextech” (technology that aims to enhance female sexual experiences), and dedicated health professionals can help.

3. Can you over-orgasm?

No! While a survey run by an online dating site suggests 77% of women have had multiple orgasms, academic research suggests the figure is much lower, at around 14%.

Some women who have multiple orgasms report their second orgasm as the strongest, but ones after that become less intense.

Just make sure you have enough lubrication to last the distance, as prolonged stimulation without sufficient lubrication can lead to pain.

Around 50% of women in one study said they use vibrators to reach orgasm (or multiple orgasms). Some people say vibrators can decrease the sensitivity of the clitoris, making it harder for women to orgasm through clitoral stimulation that doesn’t involve vibration. However, most research finds any desensitisation is mild and transitory.

4. What use is it anyway?

Evolutionists tend to take three views on why the female orgasm has evolved: to increase the success of reproduction; to enhance pair-bonding between women and their sexual partner; or the one I consider the most likely, is that women’s orgasms do not serve any evolutionary purpose at all. They are simply a by-product of evolution, existing because the male and female genitals develop in a similar way as embryos, and only begin to differentiate at about six weeks’ gestation.

Just because women’s orgasms do not serve an evolutionary purpose, that doesn’t mean they aren’t important. Women’s orgasms are important because for many women, they contribute to healthy relationships and their sexual well-being.

Read more:
Oh, oh, oh! The clitoris certainly gives pleasure. But does it also help women conceive?

What’s left to find out?

For a long time, we’ve assumed details about the female orgasm based on its male counterpart. And it’s only since 2011 that we’ve been able to map what happens in women’s brains during sexual stimulation. So there’s plenty about the female brain during orgasm we haven’t yet explored.

We’ve only recently learned about the true size and function of the clitoris. We’re also still debating whether the G-spot exists.

Women’s sexuality, desires, likes and dislikes are also incredibly varied. And in this article, we’ve only talked about, and included research with, cis-gendered females, people whose gender identity and expression matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

So we also need more research with gender-diverse people to better understand the complexity and diversity of orgasm and sexuality.

Whether science can explain all these differences in the complexity of the human being remains to be seen.

What is it, what does it feel like, and how long does it last?

Many people regard the orgasm as the peak of sexual excitement. It is a powerful feeling of physical pleasure and sensation. Orgasms usually result from sexual stimulation and involve the muscles, blood vessels, and a release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins.

This article explains what an orgasm is in people of different sexes. It also looks at why orgasms occur and explains some common misconceptions.

Fast facts on orgasms

• Orgasms release endorphins, known as feel-good hormones, which may make people feel sleepy, relaxed, or happy afterwards.
• Orgasms do not only occur during sexual stimulation.
• People of all genders can experience orgasm disorders.
• An estimated 1 in 3 males have experienced premature ejaculation.
• Transgender people are able to orgasm after gender reassignment surgery.

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According to the American Psychological Association, an orgasm is when a person reaches peak pleasure. The body releases tension, and the perineal muscles, anal sphincter, and reproductive organs rhythmically contract.

Males will usually ejaculate when reaching an orgasm and females will experience vaginal wall contractions. Females may also ejaculate during sexual activity or when experiencing an orgasm.

Learn more about female ejaculation here.

Orgasm models

Sex researchers have defined orgasms within staged models of sexual response. Although the orgasm process can differ greatly between individuals, several basic physiological changes tend to occur in most incidences.

The following models are patterns that occur in all forms of sexual response and do not solely relate to penile-vaginal intercourse.

Master and Johnson’s 4-phase model

In 1966, researchers named William Masters and Virginia Johnson came up with a four-phase model:

1. excitement
2. plateau
3. orgasm
4. resolution

Kaplan’s 3-stage model

Kaplan’s model differs from most other sexual response models by including desire — most models tend to avoid including nongenital changes. It is also important to note that desire does not precede all sexual activity. The three stages in this model are:

1. desire
2. excitement
3. orgasm

During an orgasm, people may experience an intense feeling of pleasure in the genitals and throughout the body. Orgasms can feel different for each individual.

After an orgasm, the face, neck, or chest may flush. People may also feel sleepy, relaxed, or happy afterwards due to a release of endorphins.

For females

For females, the muscles in the vagina and anus may contract roughly once per second, for around five to eight times. Heart and breathing rates may increase.

Before and during an orgasm, the vagina may become wet, and it may even ejaculate this fluid. Research suggests the percentage of females who ejaculate can range from 10–70%.

Directly after an orgasm, the clitoris may feel more sensitive or uncomfortable to touch.

For males

For males, the muscles in the penis and anus may contract around once every second, between five to eight times. Heart and breathing rates may increase.

The penis may release around 1–2 tablespoons of semen. People may not ejaculate during an orgasm, but both usually occur simultaneously.

Directly after an orgasm, the head of the penis may feel more sensitive or uncomfortable to touch.

According to a 2016 article, research suggests that female orgasms may last for around 20–35 seconds.

Q:

How long does a male orgasm last for?

Anonymous

A:

While the length of an orgasm varies for each individual, orgasms tend to last between 10–60 seconds.

Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CSTAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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Orgasms can help people to sleep better. Research from 2019 finds that orgasms achieved with a partner resulted in good sleep outcomes. Orgasms achieved through masturbation resulted in better sleep quality and reduced the time taken to fall asleep.

The body releases a hormone called oxytocin during an orgasm. Oxytocin may have a variety of health benefits, such as:

• regulating anxiety
• reducing the risk of heart disease
• reducing the risk of cancer, such as ovarian cancer

In addition, there is some evidence that frequent ejaculation in males might reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Research finds that healthcare professionals diagnosed prostate cancer less frequently in those who had high ejaculation rates.

There are many different types of orgasms, some of which are detailed below:

• Clitoral orgasm: This is when an orgasm occurs due to stimulation of the clitoris. A 2019 article notes that 60% of female orgasms occur due to clitoral stimulation.
• Vaginal orgasm: This is when an orgasm occurs vaginal stimulation. The American Psychological Association states that vaginal orgasms are related to the indirect stimulation of the clitoris during sex.
• Blended orgasm: This occurs when clitoral and vaginal orgasms occur together.
• Anal orgasm: Some females experience orgasms during anal sex.
• G-spot orgasm: An orgasm can occur as a result of stimulation of the G-spot.
• Multiple orgasms: A person can experience a series of orgasms over a short time. Masters and Johnson note that females have a shorter refractory (recovery) period, which allows them to experience multiple orgasms in a shorter period of time.
• Imagery-induced: Orgasms can occur as a response to imagery without physical stimulation. Research from 1992 states that orgasms can occur as a result of self-induced imagery. Newer research from 2016 notes that mental imagery activates the brain regions connected to orgasm, reward, and bodily stimulation.
• Nipple orgasm: A person may reach an orgasm due to stimulation of the nipples alone. Stimulation of the nipples can activate the part of the brain that also activates with genital stimulation.

The above list is not exhaustive, and research is ongoing regarding the types of orgasms people can experience.

Can males experience multiple orgasms?

According to a 2016 literature review, males can experience multiple orgasms.

However, this is not common. Less than 10% of people in their 20s and less than 7% of those age 30 or over can experience them.

The researchers note two types of male multiple orgasms: sporadic and condensed.

Sporadic multiple orgasms will have intervals of a few minutes. Condensed multiple orgasms consist of two to four orgasmic bursts in the space of a few seconds to 2 minutes.

More research is required to understand what factors can affect a person’s ability to experience multiple orgasms.

The following description of the physiological process of female orgasms in the genitals will use the Masters and Johnson four-phase model.

Excitement

During female stimulation, either physically or psychologically, the blood vessels within the genitals dilate. Increased blood supply causes fluid to pass through the vaginal walls, making the vulva swollen and wet. Internally, the top of the vagina expands.

During this phase, heart rate and breathing quicken, and blood pressure increases. Blood vessel dilation can lead to the person appearing flushed, particularly on the neck and chest.

Plateau

As blood flow to the introitus (vaginal opening) reaches its limit, it becomes firm. Breasts can increase in size, and increased blood flow to the areola causes the nipples to appear less erect. The clitoris pulls back against the pubic bone, seemingly disappearing.

Orgasm

The genital muscles, including the uterus and vaginal opening, experience rhythmic contractions around 0.8 seconds apart. The female orgasm typically lasts longer than the male orgasm, at an average of around 20–35 seconds.

Unlike males, most females do not have a recovery period and so can have further orgasms with repeated stimulation.

Resolution

The body gradually returns to its former state. Swelling reduces while the pulse and breathing slow.

The following description of the bodily process of male orgasms in the genitals uses the Masters and Johnson four-phase model.

Excitement

Male stimulation, either physically or psychologically, can lead to an erection. Blood flows into the corpora (spongy tissue running the length of the penis), causing the penis to grow in size and become rigid. The testicles draw up toward the body as the scrotum tightens.

Plateau

As the blood vessels in and around the penis fill with blood, the glans and testicles increase in size. In addition, thigh and buttock muscles tense, blood pressure rises, the pulse quickens, and the rate of breathing increases.

Orgasm

Semen enters the urethra by a series of contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the vas deferens.

Contractions in the pelvic floor muscles and prostate gland also force the semen out of the penis in a process called ejaculation.

Resolution

The male now enters a temporary recovery phase. This is the refractory period, and its length varies from person to person. It can last from a few minutes to a few days, and this period generally grows longer as a male ages.

During this phase, the penis and testicles return to their original size. The breathing may be heavy and fast, and the pulse will be elevated.

Orgasms typically occur as part of a sexual response cycle. They often take place following the continual stimulation of erogenous zones, such as the genitals, anus, nipples, and perineum.

Orgasms occur following two basic responses to continual stimulation:

• Vasocongestion: This is the process in which body tissues fill up with blood, swelling in size as a result.
• Myotonia: This is the process in which muscles tense, including both voluntary flexing and involuntary contracting.

According to a 2017 article, people can experience an orgasm from stimulation other than in the genital area, such as the ears or nipples. Even mental stimulation can produce an orgasm.

Orgasmic disorders can lead to distress, frustration, and feelings of shame, both for the person experiencing the symptoms and their sexual partner.

Although orgasms occur similarly in all genders, healthcare professionals tend to describe orgasm disorders in gendered terms.

Female orgasmic disorders

Female orgasmic disorders center around the absence or significant delay of orgasms following sufficient stimulation.

Doctors refer to the absence of having orgasms as anorgasmia. This term can either refer to when a person has never experienced an orgasm (primary anorgasmia) or when a person who previously experienced orgasms no longer can (secondary anorgasmia). The condition can occur generally or in specific situations.

Female orgasmic disorders can occur as the result of physical causes, such as gynecological conditions or the use of certain medications, or psychological causes such as anxiety or depression.

Male orgasmic disorders

Male orgasmic disorder (male anorgasmia) involves a persistent and recurrent delay or absence of orgasm following sufficient stimulation.

Male anorgasmia can be a lifelong condition or one that happens after a period of regular sexual functioning. The condition can occur generally or in specific situations.

Male anorgasmia can occur as the result of physical conditions such as low testosterone, psychological conditions such as anxiety, or through the use of certain medications such as antidepressants.

Premature ejaculation

Ejaculation in males is closely associated with an orgasm. Premature ejaculation, where a male ejaculates sooner than they would want to, is a common sexual complaint.

Premature ejaculation may be due to a combination of psychological factors such as guilt or anxiety and biological factors such as hormone levels or nerve damage.

The importance that society places on sex — combined with our incomplete knowledge of the orgasm — has led to several common misconceptions.

Sexual culture has placed the orgasm on a pedestal, often prizing it as the only goal for sexual encounters.

However, orgasms are not as simple or as common as many people would suggest.

In a 2016 study, 14% of women under the age of 35 had never experienced an orgasm from sexual intercourse. The same study reports that 9% of women surveyed, regardless of age, had never experienced an orgasm from sexual intercourse.

Other data in the study reported that only 38% of young women usually had an orgasm during intercourse, while 43% reported infrequent orgasms.

In the United States, as many as 1 in 3 males 18–59 years old report having problems with premature ejaculation at some point in their lives.

Research has shown that orgasms are also not widely considered the most important aspect of a sexual experience. According to the Kinsey Institute, reports of sexual satisfaction from both males and females were more likely when they experienced:

• frequent kissing and cuddling
• sexual caressing from partner
• higher sexual functioning
• more frequent sex

Another misconception is that penile-vaginal stimulation is the main way for people to achieve an orgasm. While this may be true for many people, many more females experience higher sexual arousal following the stimulation of the clitoris.

Orgasms can occur in many ways. Orgasms do not necessarily have to involve the genitals, nor do they have to link with sexual desires, as evidenced by examples of exercise-induced orgasm.

Another common misconception is that transgender people cannot orgasm after gender reassignment surgery.

A 2018 study looked at the effects of gender affirming surgery (GAS) on orgasm.

In participants who had undergone GAS with penile inversion vaginoplasty and then had sexual intercourse, 55.8% reported their orgasms to be more intense than before the surgery. Of the participants, 20.8% reported no difference.

A 2014 study focused on 97 people who underwent single-stage metoidioplasty. The researchers found that none of those who had the surgery had any problems achieving an orgasm.

Johns Hopkins states that achieving an orgasm is possible after phalloplasty.

The journey to an orgasm is a very individual experience that has no singular, all-encompassing definition. In many cases, experts recommend avoiding comparison with other people or preexisting concepts of what an orgasm should be.

Orgasms can be different for each individual and do not only occur through sexual stimulation.

People of all genders can have orgasms, and transgender people can orgasm after gender affirmation surgery. Orgasms can release endorphins, which may cause an increased feeling of relaxation or happiness afterward.

People of any gender may also experience orgasm disorders, such as premature ejaculation or an inability to orgasm. If people have any concerns regarding their orgasms, they can speak with a doctor or sex therapist.

Read this article in Spanish.

female and male orgasm in terms of science, why it is needed

Clinically, an orgasm is just a series of involuntary muscle contractions in both a man and a woman, nothing supernatural. In the end, it’s nice. However, from a scientific point of view, this process is of great interest and raises many questions. Some of them still remain without a clear answer. Why do legs give way during orgasm, what does it have to do with sneezing, why do men fall asleep after it, why do women need it, what muscles work during orgasm, and what kind of implant do scientists implant to get it?

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It is unlikely that the average person has seriously studied how an orgasm works, but anyone who has experienced it agrees that it feels like a firework of emotions.

What happens to the body at the moment of orgasm?

On a physical and chemical level, the process of how an orgasm works is somewhat similar to other muscle contractions after a series of efforts, although there are significant differences.

Thus, during sexual excitement, the following changes occur:

• The heart rate can double
• Blood rushes to the genitals
• Muscles are strained
• Chemicals and hormones, such as oxytocin, fill the organism.

What sensations do we experience during an orgasm?

The strength of these phenomena is of course individual, but they occur regardless of which muscles work best in a particular person during orgasm. Interestingly, men and women report the same sensations during orgasm. In one survey, volunteers were asked to describe the sensations they experience during orgasm. Volunteers described, but the doctors could not distinguish between male and female answers. But this does not mean that, for example, the female orgasm strictly works like the male one and vice versa. The biochemistry of this “fireworks” is also interesting. Studies show that during ejaculation, norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide, prolactin and other substances are generated in the body of a man. Why such a strong chemical cocktail? For a feeling of sexual satisfaction. In this sense, male pleasure works like a hammer: extremely crude and simple. A signal with a flashing red light enters the brain: “The work is done, the race is continued!”. The release of prolactin is associated with sexual satiety and the very subsequent drowsiness. The hormone starts the process of “recharging”, the man turns on his side and falls asleep sweetly. This is how the orgasm is arranged in this sex, which is confirmed by experiments with animals. Those of them who were injected with prolactin into the blood were covered with fatigue mixed with drowsiness. Studies have also shown that prolactin-deficient men “recharge” faster. For unknown reasons, four times more prolactin is released during sex than during masturbation.

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Oxytocin and vasopressin are also associated with sleep. They are often secreted along with melatonin, the main hormone that regulates our body’s internal clock. Oxytocin is also thought to reduce stress levels, which can lead to relaxation and drowsiness. Therefore, orgasm is designed in such a way that changes in the body at the hormonal level, even in large doses, are not able to radically change the body.

Features of the male orgasm

Speaking of male orgasm, it is customary to identify it with ejaculation, because in most cases ejaculation occurs very close to the time of actual pleasure. However, in reality, ejaculation is a purely physical process during which some muscles contract and others relax. And orgasm is an emotional experience that can be accompanied by physical reactions of the body.

A man’s orgasm can take place with or without ejaculation. It depends on the state of health, medication, medical interventions or mental problems.

In addition, some Eastern scholars consider ejaculation an unnecessary and even harmful waste of biological material and offer techniques for dissociating orgasm and ejaculation.

Features of the female orgasm

There are many myths around the female orgasm. One of them is that there is a huge difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasms. In fact, there is only one orgasm, and in 99% of cases the clitoris is involved in this process. Only sensations can differ, because during a vaginal orgasm, clitoral stimulation occurs from the other side. A woman can get an orgasm from penetration if her clitoris is located quite high from the entrance to the vagina (more than two centimeters). However, about 70% of women do not reach the peak of pleasure during penetration sex and need additional clitoral stimulation.

Why do you need an orgasm?

Men are simple: orgasm often goes hand in hand with ejaculation. Since ejaculation can lead to pregnancy, scientists believe that the main purpose of the male orgasm is to reproduce. No intrigue. But if male pleasure works in such a primitive way, as science says, then what does she think about women? The causes of the female orgasm have long been hidden from the scientific community, leaving behind a whole trail of theories. One says that women have orgasms because men have them. It’s like nipples on the chest: in women they perform a very specific function, while in men they are a useless organ. Evolution works in such a way that an unnecessary organ, function or process disappears in individuals of both sexes, as in the case of the tail. Therefore, men with nipples, and women with orgasms.

Great, but there is a problem. If this is such a cool anatomical bonus, then why is the female orgasm so much more intense and longer than the male, in addition, can happen several times in a row? Men cannot boast of anything like that, but would like to. Of course, theories about how orgasms work in women are varied, but there is no consensus. Plus, unlike the nipples, nothing has decreased in the anatomical structures involved in the female orgasm. The clitoris is a very sensitive part of the female genital organs that plays a key role in orgasm and is homologous to the penis. Like the same damned nipples – in the male and female sexes, these organs are built from the same anatomical structure.

Orgasm as a social tool

There is a theory that orgasm has nothing to do with reproduction, and instead it developed only for pleasure. Sex that both men and women enjoy plays an important social role. It relieves stress and helps to get closer. If you look at how the orgasm works in men and women and its chemical processes, then the version of only getting pleasure seems to be very consistent. Our ancestors may have had sex to form tighter groups, smooth out conflicts, and reinforce their social role. We see this behavior in other primates these days, such as bonobos, who can use sex to help break up a fight over a banana or stop clan rivalry altogether. And although specialists do not have a final and unified understanding of why an orgasm is needed, the version of its socialization function seems to be preferable.

Not everyone has an orgasm

It’s good when you can experience pleasure. But what about those who have a problem with sex and other joys, not to mention orgasm? For some, anhedonia, the reduction or loss of the ability to experience pleasure, is a big problem. Researchers from the University of Oxford are studying how orgasm works and are working on a special chip. According to experts, the chip will stimulate the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, where an orgasm begins to form. The researchers say the same type of device has long been successfully used to treat Parkinson’s disease, but a working implant to control pleasure is much more complex and expensive.

While work is in full swing in Oxford, there is already a patent on the other side of the Atlantic. If the Americans have not fully figured out how the female orgasm works, then they certainly brought it closer and made many women happy with their device. The orgasmatron, patented by Dr. Stuart Meloy, is a small box fixed to the spine that can send electrical signals of pleasure at any time the user desires. The history of this device is similar to the discovery of America: Columbus sailed to India, and as a result discovered a new continent. So here – Meloy treated the patient for chronic pain in the joints with the help of his device, consisting of the same box and a pair of electrodes. He connected the electrodes somewhere and turned on the power, the patient began to breathe rapidly and moan characteristically. Taking a breath, the disheveled but pleased madam said to Meloy: “You will have to teach my husband how to handle this thing!” Then Meloy realized that in his hands was not a banal medical instrument, but a unique device with an “Orgasm” button. After how the orgasm in women worked in such a non-trivial way, the device was patented. Today, installing the gadget requires surgery and costs about $3,000.

What else is an orgasm like?

Implants are a good thing, but troublesome and expensive. How about a natural orgasmotron? There is a myth that when we sneeze, we experience something like an orgasm. This is partly true. Sneezing is a reflex that involves tension and release. As in sex, there is a moment before the climax and the firework of sensations itself. It can be said rather crudely that sneezing works like an orgasm for our body. Some evidence suggests that sneezing, like orgasm, releases endorphins. There are cases when men and women sneezed with strong sexual arousal. This phenomenon occurs when the nerve endings that regulate the awakening of the genitals during arousal and some automatic functions are intertwined like pasta in a saucepan. After all, the nose, like the genitals, contains erectile tissue, therefore, including excitation, the brain turns on the blowing of the nasopharynx. And this is somewhat similar to how the orgasm we are used to works.

Orgasm is not a necessary condition for reproduction, but makes sexual intercourse attractive. This is the third, extreme and shortest phase in the cycle of human sexual reactions, which include not only physiological, but also emotional changes. And this is perhaps one of the most complex and not fully understood human feelings. One thing is clear, from an evolutionary point of view, orgasm is a great idea.

Female orgasm, how to achieve it | Why you can’t get an orgasm – April 11, 2021

It is important that harmony reigns in a couple

org/Person”> Photo: Roman Danilkin / 63.RU

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We continue our candid column “Awkward to ask”. Today’s topic: female orgasm. Many women do not experience orgasm during sex, and if they do, it is very rare. They are used to treating this phenomenon as a lottery: lucky – no luck. But in vain. Sexologist Yuri Andreev, who works at the DNA Clinic in Yaroslavl and helps people with intimate problems, told about how to experience an orgasm and why you should not ignore its absence.

Do not accumulate problems in a couple

Photo: Yuri Andreev

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— What is a female orgasm? What types of orgasm are there?

— Orgasm is the peak, the culmination of sexual arousal, which is accompanied by a great feeling of pleasure and enjoyment. Orgasm is a rather complex psychophysiological process and it occurs in the brain, between the ears, and not between the legs, as many people think. Due to the fact that a woman is a more sensitive and romantic nature, emotional intimacy, confidence in her partner and his reliability, in how he treats her, whether they often have conflicts, disagreements, quarrels are very important to her. If the relationship is harmonious and sensual, then she can show her real feelings, her passion and ardor and, finally, her orgasm, without being embarrassed or holding back. Purely physiologically, it is characterized by several contractions, spasms of the outer part of the vagina, which last an average of 3-5 to 20-30 seconds. By localization, there are mainly: clitoral – it is experienced by about 70-80% of women, vaginal – 10-15% and a mixed type of orgasm, which is experienced by about 5-10% of women. Orgasm can occur during intercourse – this is a coital orgasm, and outside of intercourse it occurs with self-stimulation. Downstream, orgasm is divided into single, multiple or multi-orgasm, short-term and protracted. Intensity: weak, moderate, strong. There are also other, rather rare varieties of orgasm: a jet or squirt orgasm associated with stimulation of the U point – this is the point of the urethra, and the secretion of the paraurethral glands, which usually act as a protection for the urethra. There are also anal, cervical, nipple orgasm, orgasm in a dream and others. If this is not a squirt orgasm, then at the moment of her climax a woman does not secrete anything, unlike a man’s ejaculation, and therefore some women can fake their orgasm.

— Is it true that the longer the foreplay, the more likely it is to experience an orgasm?

– One of the most important sexual stages is foreplay, or foreplay, where the process of excitation in general and the genital organs in particular takes place, in which all human sense analyzers participate: visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, gustatory. Basically, men like to watch more, and women like to listen. No wonder they say: a man loves with his eyes, and a woman with her ears. Here, the search for erogenous zones of each, a gentle effect on these zones, the creation of a favorable environment, the duration of foreplay, and much more is important. One of the key factors of this stage is the mood and the right thoughts in the head of both partners, which do not interfere, but only help to achieve and experience maximum pleasure. In terms of time, the foreplay stage generally lasts 15–20 minutes, but, of course, there are individual variations: someone likes fast and lightning-fast sex with minimal foreplay, while it is important for someone to stretch the pleasure.

A good partner is one who devotes time to his soul mate

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— But many people have sex and don’t even know what an orgasm is. Is it okay not to have an orgasm? What to do to experience it?

– Female and male orgasms are very different concepts, and the mechanism of their onset is very different. A female orgasm may not always be, and this can be regarded both as a norm and as a pathology. Here, the very attitude of a woman to orgasm, her desire to achieve maximum pleasure is important. It is believed that the peak of sexual skill is the mutual and simultaneous orgasm of both partners, which is more often present in a harmonious and loving couple. In a man, after his orgasm, desire disappears sharply – due to the peculiarities of the male body. And that partner is good who, after sexual intercourse, devotes time to his half, saying pleasant words and hugging her, and does not immediately turn away to sleep. If a woman has her own desire to experience orgasm (and not her partner’s desire, as is often the case), then with the help of psychotherapeutic and sexological treatment tactics, the desired results can often be achieved. Problems in the sexual sphere, such as anorgasmia, lack of libido, different sexual constitutions, and others, can lead to sexual disharmony between partners. Often there are grievances, disagreements and even betrayals in the life of a couple. Very often, these problems are associated not only with sexual, but also with family, interpersonal relationships, personality traits, the presence of frequent quarrels and discord in the family. Most often, disharmony in the family is characterized as family-sexual, separately family or sexual disharmony is rare. It must be remembered that always when there is a misunderstanding of each other, in the absence of harmony, respect, love in a couple, problems arise in a very tender and fragile sexual sphere, which suffers primarily in your relationship. Normal harmonious family-sexual relationships are possible subject to mutual voluntary desire to maintain or improve these relationships.

— How long does it take to have sex to experience an orgasm? The longer the better?

– The duration of sexual intercourse is not constant and may depend on various circumstances: on the frequency of sexual activity, on the situation, on the partner, on positions in sex, on the state of health, and on many other reasons. The average duration of the sexual intercourse itself with a regular frequency is 3-5 minutes, but again there are individual characteristics in a couple in different directions in time. With the “correct” preparation of a woman in foreplay, the average duration of sexual intercourse is basically enough for the partner to experience an orgasm. If an orgasm does not occur and this worries both or someone in a couple, then you need to understand the causes of the violations, but from my experience I can say that the duration of sexual intercourse is not so often the basis for the absence or disappearance of orgasm.

— What to do if you experience an orgasm while masturbating, but not with a partner? Who is to blame for this?

— This is called coital anorgasmia, and with the mutual desire of partners, this problem is mainly successfully corrected by psychotherapeutic and sexological methods of therapy. Of great importance in this case is the duration of the relationship in a couple, trust, mutual understanding, openness of feelings and emotions between each other. It is important to understand that there is no “magic pill” in the treatment of many sexological problems that many dream of. There are no guilty couples in a loving couple, and even more so, you don’t need to look for them, and if there is a problem, you need to try to solve it together, and if you can’t, then with the help of a specialist in this field. Do not be afraid to admit that you have a problem, and even more so to let everything take its course. Many people think: somehow over time it will pass and get better, you can wait. Perhaps they are right, but the problem may grow like a snowball, and a solution will still need to be found, but at a deeper level. It is better to seek help in the primary stages of the onset of the disease.

Does the G-spot really exist? What is it all about? Is there any point in looking for it?

– The G-spot in women exists, despite the fact that not everyone can find it. It is a section of the anterior part of the vagina at a depth of 2-5 cm behind the pubic bone and urethra. If you wish, you can try to look for the cherished point on your own or together with a partner, but due to individual characteristics and anatomical and physiological structure, this point may not be sensitive, and not every woman can experience a vaginal orgasm when stimulating the cherished point. Do not be afraid to experiment, in sex there are no prescribed algorithms or patterns on how to act in a given situation, since the problems and circumstances are very different and individual, and each couple has their own.

— Is there a link between penis size and orgasm? The bigger, the better?

— The presence or absence of an orgasm in a woman is rarely associated only with the size of the penis, here the partner’s attentiveness, his experience and the ability to feel a woman are more important. What and how she likes, what caresses, touches, poses. It’s not for nothing that they say: “Whether it’s horseradish or a carrot, it’s not the vegetable that matters, but skill!” The most sensitive areas are the first 3-7 cm of the vagina, depending on its size.