Everything you need to know

A female orgasm can be a highly pleasurable experience during masturbation or sexual activity. Male-dominated norms mean much about the female orgasm remains misunderstood, and harmful myths persist.

In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.

Share on PinterestAn orgasm can cause intense pleasure, which may have its own benefits.

The benefits of the male orgasm are clear. Men must ejaculate to deposit sperm in the vagina, possibly leading to pregnancy. The male orgasm, therefore, serves a clear evolutionary purpose.

The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.

Not everything the body does has a clear purpose, however. Scientists have not discovered the evolutionary benefits of some traits that have persisted in humans.

A 2016 study argues that the female orgasm may have no obvious evolutionary benefit and that it may be a relic of a time when the hormones associated with orgasm were necessary for a woman to ovulate.

Since there was no evolutionary need to eliminate the female orgasm, it persisted even when it was no longer necessary for fertility.

Orgasm may serve important purposes, however. The pleasure it can cause can encourage females to have sex. This may also promote bonding with a sexual partner, which does have significant evolutionary benefits.

During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.

As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.

Several researchers have proposed that sexual response follows specific stages, though their theories about these stages differ.

Still, most theories include the following stages:

• excitement, during which arousal builds
• plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off
• orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure
• resolution, during which arousal diminishes

Many females are able to have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.

While the internet is filled with articles promising that orgasms improve skin, hair, and overall health, there is little scientific evidence that orgasms offer any specific health benefits.

Scientists have not identified any evolutionary benefits of female orgasms or found that orgasms improve health.

But orgasms are pleasurable, and pleasure can be its own benefit. Pleasurable sex may improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, boost immunity, and foster better relationships.

Women do not need to orgasm to get pregnant. However, a limited body of evidence suggests that orgasms may boost fertility.

One very small study, for example, measured whether there was better sperm retention after female orgasm. While the results confirmed this, proving that the female body retains sperm better after an orgasm will require larger studies with designs of higher quality.

People hold many misconceptions about female orgasms. Some myths include:

Women who cannot orgasm have psychological problems.

While trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health can make it more difficult to orgasm, many people with healthy sexual attitudes and good relationships still have difficulties.

An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.

Some people struggle to orgasm due to inadequate lubrication. This may happen while taking hormonal birth control, or during or after pregnancy, or due to menopause.

Also, women can experience vulvodynia, which refers to unexplained pain in the vagina or around the vulva. Treating this and other medical conditions may improve sexual pleasure.

Orgasms from penetrative sex are common or the healthiest form of sexual expression.

Self-appointed experts, mostly men, have long told women that they must orgasm from heterosexual intercourse. However, many women can only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.

Sigmund Freud argued that the vaginal orgasm was the superior and more mature orgasm. No evidence supports this claim.

Women cannot have vaginal orgasms.

While vaginal orgasms are less common than those from clitoral stimulation, some women have them — with or without other stimulation.

The female orgasm can result from many types of stimulation, including vaginal, clitoral, and nipple contact.

Not everyone orgasms from the same type of stimulation.

Women need to be in love to orgasm.

Orgasm is a complex psychological and biological experience — reaching and experiencing orgasm is not the same for every woman. Some women may need to feel love to orgasm, while others may not.

A person’s relationship with their partner may or may not influence their ability to orgasm during sex.

A 2018 study found that 86% of lesbian women said they usually or always orgasm during sex, compared to just 66% of bisexual women and 65% of heterosexual women.

Participants were more likely to orgasm frequently if they:

• received more oral sex
• had longer-lasting sex
• reported higher relationship satisfaction
• asked for what they wanted in bed
• engaged in sexual emails or calls
• expressed love during sex
• acted out sexual fantasies
• tried new sexual positions

A partner can tell if a woman has had an orgasm.

There is no way to tell if a woman has had an orgasm without asking her. Some people make noises during an orgasm, while others are silent. Some flush or sweat after an orgasm, but others do not.

A person who wants to know if their partner has had an orgasm can ask without being confrontational.

If the answer is no, avoid judgment, anger, or feelings of inadequacy — these can put pressure on the person to orgasm, which can lead to anxiety and make it more difficult. Instead, discuss whether they would prefer a different approach to sex.

Being unable to orgasm is a common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people may not receive the right kind of stimulation during sex, while others may have experienced trauma linked to sex. Others may simply be uninterested.

A 2018 analysis of 135 prior studies identified several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, including:

• relationship problems
• stress
• mental health issues
• poor physical health
• genitourinary issues, such as pelvic pain
• a history of abortion
• a history of female genital mutilation
• sexual abuse
• being religious, perhaps due to sexual shame and stigma

The same study identified several modifiable risk factors that improve sexual experience, including:

• exercise
• daily affection from a partner
• a positive body image
• sex education
• intimate communication with a partner

Masturbation can help a person find what feels good to them. Some other strategies that might help include:

• using sexual lubricants to make sex more comfortable
• asking a partner to stimulate the clitoris during sex
• masturbating during sex
• discussing fantasies with a partner
• telling a partner if something does not feel good

The aforementioned 2018 study that compared orgasm frequency among people of various sexual orientations in the United States found that the following behaviors during sex increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm:

• deep kissing
• genital stimulation during vaginal intercourse
• oral sex

If self-help strategies do not work, a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction may be able to identify a problem, if there is one.

Many medical issues can make having an orgasm difficult, including:

• a lack of lubrication
• hormonal imbalances
• pelvic pain
• muscle dysfunction
• a history of trauma

When trauma or relationship problems make having an orgasm difficult, or when a person feels ashamed of sex or their desires, individual or couples counseling can help.

Serious scientific research into the female orgasm is relatively recent. Even some doctors may still believe myths about the female orgasm or think that it is unimportant to the female sexual experience.

This means that many people may have trouble accessing reliable information about orgasms.

A competent, compassionate medical professional can help a person understand the process of orgasm and identify potential barriers to sexual satisfaction.

There is no right way to orgasm and no correct way to feel about sex. People should pursue what feels good to them.

Everything you need to know

A female orgasm can be a highly pleasurable experience during masturbation or sexual activity. Male-dominated norms mean much about the female orgasm remains misunderstood, and harmful myths persist.

In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.

Share on PinterestAn orgasm can cause intense pleasure, which may have its own benefits.

The benefits of the male orgasm are clear. Men must ejaculate to deposit sperm in the vagina, possibly leading to pregnancy. The male orgasm, therefore, serves a clear evolutionary purpose.

The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.

Not everything the body does has a clear purpose, however. Scientists have not discovered the evolutionary benefits of some traits that have persisted in humans.

A 2016 study argues that the female orgasm may have no obvious evolutionary benefit and that it may be a relic of a time when the hormones associated with orgasm were necessary for a woman to ovulate.

Since there was no evolutionary need to eliminate the female orgasm, it persisted even when it was no longer necessary for fertility.

Orgasm may serve important purposes, however. The pleasure it can cause can encourage females to have sex. This may also promote bonding with a sexual partner, which does have significant evolutionary benefits.

During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.

As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.

Several researchers have proposed that sexual response follows specific stages, though their theories about these stages differ.

Still, most theories include the following stages:

• excitement, during which arousal builds
• plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off
• orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure
• resolution, during which arousal diminishes

Many females are able to have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.

While the internet is filled with articles promising that orgasms improve skin, hair, and overall health, there is little scientific evidence that orgasms offer any specific health benefits.

Scientists have not identified any evolutionary benefits of female orgasms or found that orgasms improve health.

But orgasms are pleasurable, and pleasure can be its own benefit. Pleasurable sex may improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, boost immunity, and foster better relationships.

Women do not need to orgasm to get pregnant. However, a limited body of evidence suggests that orgasms may boost fertility.

One very small study, for example, measured whether there was better sperm retention after female orgasm. While the results confirmed this, proving that the female body retains sperm better after an orgasm will require larger studies with designs of higher quality.

People hold many misconceptions about female orgasms. Some myths include:

Women who cannot orgasm have psychological problems.

While trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health can make it more difficult to orgasm, many people with healthy sexual attitudes and good relationships still have difficulties.

An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.

Some people struggle to orgasm due to inadequate lubrication. This may happen while taking hormonal birth control, or during or after pregnancy, or due to menopause.

Also, women can experience vulvodynia, which refers to unexplained pain in the vagina or around the vulva. Treating this and other medical conditions may improve sexual pleasure.

Orgasms from penetrative sex are common or the healthiest form of sexual expression.

Self-appointed experts, mostly men, have long told women that they must orgasm from heterosexual intercourse. However, many women can only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.

Sigmund Freud argued that the vaginal orgasm was the superior and more mature orgasm. No evidence supports this claim.

Women cannot have vaginal orgasms.

While vaginal orgasms are less common than those from clitoral stimulation, some women have them — with or without other stimulation.

The female orgasm can result from many types of stimulation, including vaginal, clitoral, and nipple contact.

Not everyone orgasms from the same type of stimulation.

Women need to be in love to orgasm.

Orgasm is a complex psychological and biological experience — reaching and experiencing orgasm is not the same for every woman. Some women may need to feel love to orgasm, while others may not.

A person’s relationship with their partner may or may not influence their ability to orgasm during sex.

A 2018 study found that 86% of lesbian women said they usually or always orgasm during sex, compared to just 66% of bisexual women and 65% of heterosexual women.

Participants were more likely to orgasm frequently if they:

• received more oral sex
• had longer-lasting sex
• reported higher relationship satisfaction
• asked for what they wanted in bed
• engaged in sexual emails or calls
• expressed love during sex
• acted out sexual fantasies
• tried new sexual positions

A partner can tell if a woman has had an orgasm.

There is no way to tell if a woman has had an orgasm without asking her. Some people make noises during an orgasm, while others are silent. Some flush or sweat after an orgasm, but others do not.

A person who wants to know if their partner has had an orgasm can ask without being confrontational.

If the answer is no, avoid judgment, anger, or feelings of inadequacy — these can put pressure on the person to orgasm, which can lead to anxiety and make it more difficult. Instead, discuss whether they would prefer a different approach to sex.

Being unable to orgasm is a common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people may not receive the right kind of stimulation during sex, while others may have experienced trauma linked to sex. Others may simply be uninterested.

A 2018 analysis of 135 prior studies identified several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, including:

• relationship problems
• stress
• mental health issues
• poor physical health
• genitourinary issues, such as pelvic pain
• a history of abortion
• a history of female genital mutilation
• sexual abuse
• being religious, perhaps due to sexual shame and stigma

The same study identified several modifiable risk factors that improve sexual experience, including:

• exercise
• daily affection from a partner
• a positive body image
• sex education
• intimate communication with a partner

Masturbation can help a person find what feels good to them. Some other strategies that might help include:

• using sexual lubricants to make sex more comfortable
• asking a partner to stimulate the clitoris during sex
• masturbating during sex
• discussing fantasies with a partner
• telling a partner if something does not feel good

The aforementioned 2018 study that compared orgasm frequency among people of various sexual orientations in the United States found that the following behaviors during sex increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm:

• deep kissing
• genital stimulation during vaginal intercourse
• oral sex

If self-help strategies do not work, a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction may be able to identify a problem, if there is one.

Many medical issues can make having an orgasm difficult, including:

• a lack of lubrication
• hormonal imbalances
• pelvic pain
• muscle dysfunction
• a history of trauma

When trauma or relationship problems make having an orgasm difficult, or when a person feels ashamed of sex or their desires, individual or couples counseling can help.

Serious scientific research into the female orgasm is relatively recent. Even some doctors may still believe myths about the female orgasm or think that it is unimportant to the female sexual experience.

This means that many people may have trouble accessing reliable information about orgasms.

A competent, compassionate medical professional can help a person understand the process of orgasm and identify potential barriers to sexual satisfaction.

There is no right way to orgasm and no correct way to feel about sex. People should pursue what feels good to them.

How is the female body? – Family clinic Arnika, Krasnoyarsk

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Did you know that the uterus can increase 20 times during pregnancy? This is a unique organ located in the pelvis and connected to the fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, infertility or an ectopic pregnancy may develop. The cervix connects the uterus and vagina, and the ovaries produce eggs.

Uterus

The most important function of the uterus is to carry the fetus (unborn child) during pregnancy. The uterus is a truly unique organ: during pregnancy, it increases about 20 times. You can calculate it yourself: in a non-pregnant woman, the uterus weighs about 50-60 g, and by the end of pregnancy, its weight reaches 1 kg. After childbirth, the uterus contracts, decreasing to its normal size.

The uterus is located in the small pelvis, behind the pubis. In front of the uterus is the bladder, and behind the uterus is the intestines. During the examination on the gynecological chair, the gynecologist cannot see the uterus, but he can feel it and determine the size.

The uterus looks like a pouch turned upside down. The walls of the uterus are very thick and are made up of muscles. Thanks to these muscles, the birth of a child is possible. During childbirth, the muscles of the uterus begin to contract intensely, pushing the baby out.

There is a small cavity inside the uterus. In the uterine cavity is the endometrium – the inner layer of the uterus. Every month, the endometrium is shed from the uterine cavity, coming out through the vagina. This is menstruation, or menstruation.

Cervix

The cervix is ​​the continuation of the uterus, its lower part, which also consists of muscles and separates the uterus from the vagina.

There is a channel in the center of the cervix called the cervical canal. Through this channel, the endometrium is excreted during menstruation, and through it the spermatozoa enter the uterus, and then meet with the egg. The cervical canal is very narrow, but during childbirth it expands to allow the baby to leave the uterus.

The gynecologist can see the lower part of the cervix, as well as the external opening of the cervical canal during examination on the gynecological chair. In order to have a good look at the cervix, the gynecologist uses a speculum.

The cervix is ​​subject to various diseases: erosion and pseudo-erosion of the cervix (ectopia), cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis), etc. In order to identify these diseases in time, every woman should regularly visit a gynecologist and take a smear for cytology at least once every 2 years.

Fallopian tubes

Every woman has 2 fallopian tubes: to the left and to the right of the uterus. Fallopian tubes are also called fallopian tubes, after the scientist Fallopius, who first described them. The fallopian tubes connect to the uterine cavity on the sides, at the top of the uterus.

It is in the fallopian tubes that the meeting of the spermatozoon and the ovum most often takes place. Having united in one cell, they move towards the uterus in order to attach in its cavity and continue their development.

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes can lead to their obstruction. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, then the sperm and egg cannot meet, and pregnancy in this case is impossible.

Fallopian tubes are normally not visible on ultrasound. During examination and palpation, the gynecologist also cannot palpate the fallopian tubes. In order to determine the condition of the fallopian tubes, hysterosalpingography is used.

Ovaries

Every woman has 2 ovaries: right and left. From the moment of puberty (from about 12-13 years old), every month an egg matures in one of the ovaries. The ovum is the “half” of the unborn child, which, when combined with the second “half” – the sperm, forms an embryo.

The egg matures inside a vesicle called a follicle. When the follicle reaches a certain size, it bursts and an egg is released from it. This moment is called ovulation. It is on the day of ovulation that a woman can become pregnant.

Another important feature of the ovaries is the ability to produce sex hormones. Sex hormones affect the menstrual cycle: without them, the maturation of the follicle in the ovary, ovulation, and even menstruation are impossible.

After 45-50 years, when the ovaries stop working, they no longer ovulate and no longer produce sex hormones. Menstruation also stops due to lack of hormones. This condition is called menopause, or menopause.

During a gynecological examination, the gynecologist cannot see the ovaries, but can feel them as well as the uterus. If you are still a virgin, then the gynecologist can feel the ovaries through the anus, and if you are already sexually active, then through the vagina.

Scientists have explained women’s resistance to stress
Researchers from the USA have explained why women cope with stress better than men. To do this, experts conducted an experiment on rats, the females of which are much more resistant to stress than males. It turned out that the female hormone estrogen helps them resist negative influences.

Researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo have found a scientific explanation for women’s resilience. Previous studies have shown that women and men respond differently to stress, but the mechanism underlying these differences was still unknown.

The experiment involved experimental rats that lived in groups in cages. During the week they were placed for two hours in a small cylinder, where there was no possibility of movement. To test the effects of stress on animals, the scientists measured their cognitive functions – memory, the ability to recognize objects, to assimilate new information.

The results of the study showed that the ability of females to recognize objects was not affected, while the males showed impaired short-term memory. This indicates a malfunction of glutamate receptors in the prefrontal cortex, an area of ​​the brain that controls working memory, attention, decision making, emotions, and other processes.

Previous research has shown that repeated stress depresses these receptors in the prefrontal cortex of young men. The current work has revealed that stress does not affect the protective function of women.

By manipulating the amount of estrogen in the brains of experimental animals, the scientists were able to achieve the opposite response to stress in rats. At the moment when the action of estrogen was blocked in the body of females, they showed the same reaction to stress as males. These data confirm that resistance to stress arises due to the female hormone.

“In the future, we plan to find compounds that have a similar protective effect on the body, like estrogen, and can be used to treat stress-related problems in men without hormonal side effects,” Zheng, one of the authors of the study, told RBC daily. Jan.

According to the leading researcher of the Institute of General Genetics. N.I. Vavilov RAS Svetlana Borinskaya, estrogen affects many functions, and now we have to wait for research on whether it protects not only the brain, but also the heart, immune system and other organs from stress.

“Recently, together with HSE sociologists, we conducted a large survey in which we assessed the stress level of men and women of different ages. In women, judging by the answers, the level of stress is higher. The same results were obtained by other researchers.