What is the purpose of the female orgasm. How does the female orgasm work. What are the stages of sexual response. Can female orgasms improve fertility. What are common misconceptions about female orgasms.

The Evolutionary Purpose of Female Orgasms

The female orgasm has long been a subject of scientific inquiry and debate. Unlike the male orgasm, which serves a clear evolutionary purpose in reproduction, the function of the female orgasm is less obvious. This has led researchers to propose various theories about its potential benefits and origins.

A 2016 study suggests that the female orgasm may be a vestigial trait – a remnant of our evolutionary past when orgasm-induced hormones were necessary for ovulation. As mammalian reproduction evolved, spontaneous ovulation became the norm, potentially rendering the female orgasm obsolete in terms of fertility. However, it persisted due to the lack of evolutionary pressure to eliminate it.

Despite this theory, the female orgasm may still serve important purposes:

• Encouraging sexual activity through pleasure
• Promoting pair bonding with sexual partners
• Potentially improving fertility (though evidence is limited)

While the direct evolutionary benefits remain unclear, the pleasure derived from orgasms can have positive effects on mood, stress reduction, and relationship satisfaction.

The Physiology of Female Arousal and Orgasm

Understanding the physical processes involved in female arousal and orgasm is crucial for dispelling myths and promoting sexual health. What happens in a woman’s body during sexual excitement?

1. Increased blood flow to the genitals, enhancing sensitivity
2. Elevation in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate
3. Muscle tension and involuntary twitches or spasms
4. Rhythmic contractions of the vaginal muscles during orgasm

These physiological changes occur as part of the sexual response cycle, which researchers have divided into distinct stages.

Stages of the Sexual Response Cycle

While theories may differ slightly, most researchers agree on four main stages of sexual response:

1. Excitement: Initial arousal builds
2. Plateau: Arousal increases and levels off
3. Orgasm: Intense feelings of pleasure and release
4. Resolution: Arousal diminishes and the body returns to its pre-arousal state

A key difference between male and female sexual response is that many women can experience multiple orgasms without a significant refractory period, while men typically require rest before achieving another orgasm.

Health Benefits of Female Orgasms: Separating Fact from Fiction

Are there specific health benefits associated with female orgasms? While many popular articles claim orgasms can improve skin, hair, and overall health, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited. However, this doesn’t mean orgasms are without benefits.

The pleasure derived from orgasms can contribute to overall well-being in several ways:

• Improved mood and reduced stress
• Potential boost to immune function
• Enhanced relationship satisfaction

It’s important to note that while these benefits are associated with pleasurable sexual experiences, they are not exclusive to orgasms. Engaging in enjoyable sexual activity, with or without orgasm, can contribute to these positive outcomes.

Female Orgasms and Fertility: Exploring the Connection

Do female orgasms play a role in conception? While women do not need to orgasm to become pregnant, some research suggests that orgasms might enhance fertility. How might this work?

One small study investigated whether female orgasms improved sperm retention. The results indicated a potential link, but larger, more robust studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The idea behind this theory is that the contractions associated with orgasm might help propel sperm towards the egg, potentially increasing the chances of fertilization.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the absence of orgasm does not prevent conception. Many women successfully conceive without experiencing orgasm during sexual intercourse.

Debunking Common Myths About Female Orgasms

Misinformation about female orgasms abounds, often perpetuating harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations. Let’s address some of the most persistent myths:

Myth: Women Who Can’t Orgasm Have Psychological Problems

This misconception oversimplifies the complex nature of female orgasms. While psychological factors can influence sexual response, many physical conditions can also affect a woman’s ability to orgasm. These may include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Medication side effects
• Neurological disorders
• Pelvic floor dysfunction

Additionally, conditions like vulvodynia, which causes unexplained pain in the vagina or vulva, can make orgasms difficult or impossible to achieve. Treating underlying medical conditions often improves sexual pleasure and orgasmic capacity.

Myth: Orgasms from Penetrative Sex Are the “Best” or “Healthiest”

This harmful myth, often propagated by male-centric views of sexuality, ignores the diverse ways women experience pleasure. In reality, many women require clitoral stimulation to orgasm, and some may never orgasm from penetrative sex alone. This doesn’t indicate any problem or shortcoming – it’s simply a reflection of normal anatomical variation.

Sigmund Freud’s outdated theory of vaginal orgasms being superior to clitoral orgasms has been thoroughly debunked by modern sexology research. All orgasms are “real” orgasms, regardless of how they’re achieved.

Myth: Women Can’t Have Vaginal Orgasms

While clitoral orgasms are more common, some women do experience orgasms from vaginal stimulation alone. The existence of vaginal orgasms doesn’t negate the importance of clitoral stimulation for many women, nor does it suggest that women who don’t experience them are somehow lacking.

Myth: Women Need to Be in Love to Orgasm

This myth conflates emotional connection with physiological response. While some women may find emotional intimacy enhances their sexual experience, many women can and do orgasm without being in love with their partner. Orgasms are a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors, and the requirements for achieving them vary widely among individuals.

Factors Affecting Female Orgasms: Beyond Psychology

While psychological factors certainly play a role in sexual response, it’s crucial to recognize the many physical and physiological elements that can impact a woman’s ability to orgasm. What are some of these factors?

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal contraceptives can all affect sexual response
• Medications: Certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and other drugs may inhibit orgasm
• Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions can affect nerve function and sexual response
• Pelvic floor health: Weak or overly tight pelvic floor muscles can interfere with orgasmic capacity

Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing orgasmic difficulties and promoting overall sexual health. Women experiencing persistent issues with orgasm should consider consulting a healthcare provider to rule out underlying medical conditions.

The Diversity of Female Sexual Response

One of the most important aspects of understanding female orgasms is recognizing the wide range of normal experiences. How do orgasms vary among women?

• Stimulation type: Some women orgasm primarily from clitoral stimulation, others from vaginal, and some from a combination
• Orgasm intensity: The strength and duration of orgasms can vary greatly between individuals and even for the same person on different occasions
• Multiple orgasms: Some women routinely experience multiple orgasms, while others typically have singular experiences
• Non-genital orgasms: Some women report orgasms from stimulation of other body parts, such as nipples or the neck

This diversity highlights the importance of personal exploration and communication with partners to discover what works best for each individual. There is no “right” way to experience orgasm, and comparing one’s experiences to others or to societal expectations can lead to unnecessary anxiety or disappointment.

The Role of the Clitoris in Female Orgasms

The clitoris plays a central role in female sexual pleasure and orgasm for many women. This highly innervated organ extends far beyond the visible glans, with internal structures that surround the vagina and urethra. Recent research has expanded our understanding of clitoral anatomy and its importance in sexual response.

Some key points about the clitoris:

• It contains over 8,000 nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to stimulation
• The internal structure can be stimulated indirectly through vaginal penetration
• Clitoral stimulation is the primary route to orgasm for many women

Understanding the anatomy and function of the clitoris is crucial for both sexual partners and healthcare providers in addressing sexual health concerns.

Overcoming Orgasmic Difficulties: Strategies and Solutions

For women who struggle to achieve orgasm, various strategies and treatments may help. What approaches can be effective in addressing orgasmic difficulties?

1. Education: Learning about one’s own anatomy and sexual response can be empowering and illuminating
2. Mindfulness techniques: Practicing presence and focus during sexual activity can enhance arousal and orgasmic capacity
3. Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve sexual sensation and orgasmic intensity
4. Exploring different types of stimulation: Experimenting with various techniques, toys, or positions can help identify what works best
5. Addressing relationship issues: Open communication with partners about desires and needs can improve sexual satisfaction
6. Seeking professional help: Sex therapists, counselors, or healthcare providers can offer tailored advice and treatment options

It’s important to approach orgasmic difficulties with patience and self-compassion. Pressure to orgasm can create anxiety that further inhibits sexual response. Focusing on pleasure and enjoyment, rather than achieving a specific outcome, can lead to more satisfying sexual experiences overall.

The Impact of Societal Attitudes on Female Sexuality

Societal attitudes and cultural norms significantly influence how women perceive and experience their sexuality, including orgasms. Historical and ongoing stigma surrounding female pleasure can create barriers to sexual fulfillment. How do these attitudes affect women’s sexual experiences?

• Lack of comprehensive sex education leaves many women uninformed about their bodies and sexual response
• Cultural taboos may discourage open discussion about female sexuality and pleasure
• Unrealistic portrayals in media can create false expectations about how orgasms should look or feel
• Gender-based double standards may lead to shame or guilt around sexual desire and pleasure

Challenging these societal attitudes and promoting sex-positive education can help women embrace their sexuality and enhance their sexual experiences. Encouraging open dialogue about female pleasure and normalizing the diversity of sexual responses are crucial steps in this direction.

The Role of Communication in Enhancing Sexual Pleasure

Effective communication is a cornerstone of satisfying sexual experiences, especially when it comes to achieving orgasm. How can partners improve communication to enhance sexual pleasure?

1. Express preferences: Clearly articulate likes, dislikes, and boundaries
2. Provide feedback: Offer guidance during sexual activity about what feels good
3. Ask questions: Show interest in your partner’s pleasure and be open to learning
4. Discuss desires: Share fantasies and explore new ideas together
5. Address concerns: Talk openly about any issues or anxieties related to sex

Remember that communication extends beyond words. Non-verbal cues, body language, and responsive touches can all contribute to a more connected and pleasurable sexual experience.

The Importance of Self-Exploration

Self-exploration and masturbation play crucial roles in understanding one’s own sexual response and achieving orgasms. Why is self-exploration so important for sexual health and pleasure?

• It allows women to discover what types of touch and stimulation they enjoy
• Masturbation can help build comfort and familiarity with one’s own body
• Self-exploration can reduce anxiety about sexual performance with partners
• It provides a safe space to experiment with different techniques and fantasies

Encouraging women to explore their own bodies without judgment or shame is an important step towards sexual empowerment and fulfillment.

The Future of Female Orgasm Research

As our understanding of female sexuality continues to evolve, new areas of research are emerging. What are some promising directions for future studies on female orgasms?

• Neuroimaging studies to better understand the brain’s role in orgasm
• Investigation of the potential health benefits of regular orgasms
• Exploration of the relationship between orgasms and overall well-being
• Development of new treatments for orgasmic disorders
• Examination of the impact of hormonal changes throughout life on orgasmic capacity

Continued research in these areas will not only expand our scientific knowledge but also contribute to improving sexual health and satisfaction for women of all ages.

The Importance of Inclusive Research

Historically, much of the research on female sexuality and orgasms has been limited in scope, often focusing on heterosexual, cisgender women. Moving forward, it’s crucial to conduct more inclusive research that considers the experiences of:

• LGBTQ+ individuals
• Women of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds
• Women with disabilities
• Women across all age groups

By broadening the scope of research, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of female sexual experiences and orgasms.

In conclusion, the female orgasm remains a complex and fascinating aspect of human sexuality. By dispelling myths, promoting education, and encouraging open communication, we can foster a more positive and fulfilling approach to female sexual pleasure. As research continues to advance our understanding, it’s important to remember that every woman’s experience is unique and valid. Embracing this diversity and prioritizing individual pleasure over societal expectations is key to sexual satisfaction and overall well-being.

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.