Biology of orgasm: All You Need To Know

The biology of orgasm, also called Climax, climactic physiological state of heightened sexual excitement that is followed by relaxation of sexual tensions. A feeling of sudden and intense pleasure marks an orgasm. Due to this increase in pulse rate and blood pressure, spasms of the pelvic muscles cause contractions in the lower vagina in the female and in male contractions of the urethra and ejaculation. Males and females are physiologically capable of experiencing orgasm from infancy, and children who engage in masturbation or sex play may achieve this sensation. Orgasm can occur during sleep and daydreaming as well as at the time of masturbation and sexual intercourse.

Also check out- Benefits of Orgasms we bet you don’t know – My Biology Dictionary

The biology of orgasm is primarily related to a brain event typically triggered by genital stimulation. It can also be induced by stimulation of other parts of the body.  Including the breast and nipple, fantasy, sleep certain medications, and, in women vibratory stimulation of the cervix. It is also the physiological changes that go on in the body associated with the release of sexual tension. And, it is psychosocial, since attitudes are involved as well, in sexual intercourse, interactions with another person. In males, it is associated with an ejaculation of seminal fluid. But, ejaculation is not the orgasm, it is just something that typically occurs simultaneously. Many people are confused by this fact and think that ejaculation and orgasm are the same things and occur together.

Difference between male and female orgasm

Most women never experience orgasm, at least not via sexual intercourse, perhaps seldom or not at all by any means. Some males also have problems with orgasm, although to a markedly lesser extent than females. Sexual problems, including failure to reach orgasm, can come about for a variety of reasons. It can be due to psychological reasons, E.g., strict religious training in which sex is seen as dirty and bad, other negative attitudes about sex, or due to physiological reasons.

Both men and women have the hormone testosterone in their system, but men have much more than women. In animals and probably in humans, testosterone is associated with sex and aggression. In some cases, the woman’s testosterone is so low that she has no interest in sex. But, by increasing her testosterone, the sex drive can be restored.

Perhaps it is the same as it is for the man, only operating less efficiently in women, i.e., women are less likely to achieve orgasm in intercourse than are men, but they do so enough to make sexual intercourse highly desirable to women. Both men and women also can attain orgasm via masturbation, but even here they sometimes fail to achieve orgasm.
Orgasm could also be a signal sent to the other partner, notifying that partner of one’s attractiveness. Sending and receiving signals is very much part of male-female attractiveness communication.

Evolution of Orgasm

In males, the orgasm would seem to be explainable as inducing great pleasure and thus increasing the likelihood that men would want to engage in mating and thereby produce future generations by their own genes. In females, an evolutionary psychology explanation is less obvious. If women always or usually achieved orgasm via sexual intercourse, then a similar explanation—pleasurable thus increasing the likelihood of spreading one’s genes into future generations–would seem appropriate. But, since women seem to reach orgasm much less in sexual intercourse than men do.

One theory about the evolution of the biology of orgasm is as follows. Many males experience orgasm when they ejaculate. Fewer than half of American women experience orgasm each time they have sex. Most women do not have orgasms unless they receive effective clitoral stimulation. They believe that only a man who is caring, knowledgeable, and sensitive can assist his partner in orgasm. The orgasmic response of the woman is the reward for the man; i.e. it would make sex more pleasurable for him. Thus, a pair bond based on caring, sensitivity, and pleasure is mediated at least partially by female orgasm.

Types of  orgasm

Different types of orgasms are:

• Clitoral orgasm: This is when an orgasm occurs due to stimulation of the clitoris of a female. According to 2019, the article notes that 60% of female orgasms occur due to clitoral stimulation.
• Vaginal orgasm: When an orgasm occurs vaginal stimulation. American physiology association states that vaginal orgasms are related to the indirect stimulation of the clitoris during sex.
• Blended orgasm: When clitoral and vaginal orgasms occur together.
• Anal orgasm: Experiencing orgasms during anal sex.
• G-spot orgasm: An orgasm can occur due to stimulation of the G-spot.
• Multiple orgasms: A person can experience a series of orgasms over a short time. Females have a shorter refractory (recovery) period, which allows them to experience multiple orgasms in a shorter period.
• Imagery-induced: Orgasms can occur as a response to imagery without physical stimulation. Research from 1992 from a Trusted source states that orgasms can occur as a result of self-induced imagery. Newer research source from 2016 notes that mental imagery activates the brain regions connected to orgasm, reward, and bodily stimulation.
• Nipple orgasm: A person may reach 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.

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Advantage of the biology of orgasm

• Reduced the risk of prostate cancer: It is found from the research that men who engage in regular sex are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer as ejaculation helps to release toxins from the body and promote good functioning of the body.
• Improved immunity: Some people take probiotics for increased immune response, but regular sex is beneficial for increasing the immune system into high gear. The research found that weekly or biweekly sex can help to boost the body’s antibodies.
•  Regular menstrual cycle: Many women grapple with irregular periods but few know that regular sex might be beneficial. The research found that women who have sex at least once a week tend to have more regular cycles.
• Reduced Pain: For common menstrual symptoms such as cramps, you might be happy to learn that sex can reduce pain. Research has found that the release of hormones like endorphins and corticosteroids can help to reduce pain. It is true for men as well, if he is suffering from a headache or a muscle ache, might try reaching for their partner instead of the medicine cabinet.
• Improved Cardiovascular diseases: Physical health and sexual health go hand-in-hand. Frequent sex improves cardiovascular working capacity. It is found that women who enjoy regular orgasms have a decreased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Better night’s sleep: Having sex might also increase the chance of good sleep. The release of hormones like dopamine and oxytocin can help to promote feelings of intimacy as well as rest and peacefulness.
• Improved Mood: When we intense pleasure at the orgasm, our brains are flooded with feel-good endorphins that promote feelings of bliss and bonding. Regular sex help keep your partner connected.

Disadvantages of the biology of orgasm

• Fragility: Orgasmolepsy – a weakness that occurs with orgasm. Symptoms last for less than 30 seconds and include loss of muscle control. Prevalence of the highest-powered listed as 22% among those with sleep disorders.
• Weeping: Weeping after sex is a symptom called postcoital dysphoria, a feeling after-sex effects that include tearfulness, feelings, depression, anxiety, or agitation.
• Headache: Headaches caused by orgasms belong to the type 2 category of headache: Those which are bilateral, explosive, and triggered by some kind of excitement. The duration of orgasm headaches can range from sometimes minutes to three hours and may be alleviated with anti-migraine meds or pre-treatment with propranolol.
• Pain:  Pain with orgasm can occur in women, even if the pain isn’t felt with intercourse. Men with chronic prostate disease have also been known to experience pain with orgasm.

Disorders

Disorders related to orgasm can lead to distress, frustration, and feelings of shame, both for the person experiencing the symptoms and their sexual partner. Female orgasmic disorders centre around the absence of significant delay of orgasms following sufficient stimulation. Doctors refer to the lack of orgasms as anorgasmia. when a person has never experienced trusted source 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. A male orgasmic disorder called male anorgasmia; involves a persistent and recurrent delay or absence of orgasm following sufficient stimulation.

Common Misconceptions

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

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

Other research reported that only 38% of young women usually had an orgasm during intercourse, while 43% has infrequent orgasms.

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

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

The journey of the biology of orgasm is a very individual experience that has no singular, all-encompassing definition.

Summary

The biology of orgasm is a very interesting topic for teens. The biology of Orgasms has a different perspective for every individual and does not only occur through sexual stimulation.

All genders can feel orgasms, and transgender people can orgasm after gender affirmation surgery. Orgasms can release hormones endorphins, which may cause an increased feeling of relaxation or happiness.

People of any gender may also experience orgasmic 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 without any hesitation.

Thank you for reading!

Reference:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087698/

Team MBD