The orgasm is commonly described as the peak of pleasure in sexual activity. It can also be referred to as a moment of release: the tension that built up during the intimate prelude is finally relieved, and the body is ready to unwind.
But does everything truly work this way? And do many men and women understand the nature of orgasm?
It appears not.
Therefore, it’s all the more valuable to acquaint ourselves with facts from scientific research.
ORGASM ENHANCES SLEEP QUALITY AND REDUCES THE RISK OF CERTAIN DISEASES
The influence of orgasm on sleep is evident through a simple observation – men tend to fall asleep quickly after sexual activity. This circumstance disappoints some women who wish to converse at that moment.
In reality this is explained by the fact that significantly more men than women reach orgasm. Women who have experienced orgasm also fall asleep quickly and enjoy a much deeper sleep than usual. This was acknowledged by over 70 % of participants in a survey conducted by Australian researchers among women of various ages.
Furthermore, during orgasm, the human body releases oxytocin, which lowers anxiety levels. Additionally, oxytocin reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men, ovarian cancer in women, and the risk of heart diseases in both genders.
WHY CAN’T SOME WOMEN ACHIEVE ORGASM?
A stereotype exists that if a woman cannot achieve orgasm, it means she lacks “practice” or hasn’t had enough partners. In reality, the issue lies elsewhere.
From 1971 to 2015 surveys were conducted in Finland, asking women to describe the factors influencing their ability to achieve orgasm. The results revealed that the frequency of sexual intercourse or masturbation has no bearing on how often women are able to reach orgasm.
In truth, the problem of achieving or not achieving orgasm lies within the realm of psychology.
Firstly, the surveyed women often admitted that their partner’s pleasure seemed more important to them than their own.
Secondly, the ability to achieve orgasm was also influenced by low self-esteem in a sexual context and openness to discussing this topic.
Finnish researchers concluded that if a woman feels content in her romantic relationships, if they fulfill her emotionally, and the topic of sex is easily broached, this increases the chances of achieving orgasm, as partners are more willing to communicate about their preferences.
Additionally, it was found that 41 % of women prefer just one technique of movement to achieve orgasm. Therefore, all other techniques, no matter how inventive they may be, won’t lead to success.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INTENSITY OF FEMALE ORGASM
In 2017 researchers in the USA posed questions about women’s sexual lives to several hundred women. The results were intriguing. For instance, the stereotype that extended sexual activity leads to more intense orgasms was firmly debunked by over 80 % of those surveyed. Women mainly spoke about their “best orgasms” in the context of extended foreplay or staying in an aroused state, rather than the act of sex itself.
According to the same survey 23 % of women experience a more intense orgasm if their partner ejaculates during vaginal intercourse.
FEMALE EJACULATION DOESN’T LOOK LIKE WHAT MEN IMAGINE
During orgasm, fluid from the urethra can indeed be released in women—not dissimilar from men. However, it doesn’t appear as portrayed in adult films. For some women, this fluid can be thick and white (similar to sperm). In this case, it is produced by the Skene’s glands located on the vaginal walls near the end of the urethral opening. For others, the emissions are fluid and nearly transparent – coming from the urinary bladder. Some women might not even notice any secretion during arousal or orgasm. This happens because sometimes the secretions produced by the body flow in the opposite direction, entering the urinary bladder. This makes it difficult to estimate the prevalence of female ejaculation. However, some scientific sources assert that around 70 % of women are capable of ejaculating.
MEN CAN ALSO EXPERIENCE ORGASM WITHOUT EJACULATION
The phenomenon where a man experiences orgasm without the release of semen is called retrograde ejaculation. In this case, the desire for sexual activity remains, but during orgasm, sperm enters the urinary bladder instead of the usual route through the urethra. Generally, this situation doesn’t require treatment. Retrograde ejaculation is most often caused by various pelvic surgeries. However, it can also develop in the context of diabetes or spinal cord injuries. Hence, if a man plans to have children, retrograde ejaculation might become a problem to address. In this case, consulting a specialist is advisable without delay.
