Orgasm - Sexual Climax
A buildup of sexual arousal and stimulation can lead men
and women to the intense and pleasurable release of sexual tension known
as the orgasm. Having an orgasm may also be referred to as "climaxing"
or "coming." During orgasm, the heart beats faster, blood pressure
rises, breath becomes quicker and heavier, and involuntary muscle
contractions occur in the genitals and often throughout the body.
Orgasm has many psychological effects. Most notably, orgasm is associated with the release in the brain of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which facilitates the experience of pleasure. In addition, the brain releases the hormone oxytocin, and it reinforces feelings of love and attachment. Other neurochemical changes induce alternations in pain sensation, a state of relaxation, and positive mood.
For men, orgasm is required for conception. Genital muscle contractions result in ejaculation or the release of sperm-filled semen from the penis that can be used to fertilize the egg. After ejaculation, men generally require a period of anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even days before another orgasm is possible.
The hormone testosterone is highly active in enhancing male sexual desire and arousal. When a man’s testosterone levels are low, it’s harder to achieve orgasm. Once reached, the male orgasm floods the brain with rewarding neurochemicals that create a pleasurable experience and enhance pair-bonding.
Orgasm has many psychological effects. Most notably, orgasm is associated with the release in the brain of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which facilitates the experience of pleasure. In addition, the brain releases the hormone oxytocin, and it reinforces feelings of love and attachment. Other neurochemical changes induce alternations in pain sensation, a state of relaxation, and positive mood.
Orgasms in Men
For men, orgasm is required for conception. Genital muscle contractions result in ejaculation or the release of sperm-filled semen from the penis that can be used to fertilize the egg. After ejaculation, men generally require a period of anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even days before another orgasm is possible.
The hormone testosterone is highly active in enhancing male sexual desire and arousal. When a man’s testosterone levels are low, it’s harder to achieve orgasm. Once reached, the male orgasm floods the brain with rewarding neurochemicals that create a pleasurable experience and enhance pair-bonding.
How are orgasms the same for men and women?
Both men and women can masturbate to achieve orgasm.
There are different types of orgasms, and for women, orgasms that result
from oral sex tend to be more satisfying. Despite differences in the frequency of reaching orgasm, the subjective experience of orgasm is the same in men and women.
How do men feel about foreplay?
The majority of men can achieve orgasm from intercourse. Contrary to popular belief, men want foreplay too,
at similar levels to women. Foreplay increases their relationship
satisfaction and reduces the number of sexual problems men experience,
particularly older men.
What kind of sexual problems do men experience?
Some men cannot get or maintain an erection, fail to reach a climax, fear their genitals are too small, or simply aren’t that interested in sex in the first place. They may experience sexual impairments
related to age, sickness, or certain medications they may be taking.
These sexual difficulties often have nothing to do with their partner or
their satisfaction with the relationship.
n women, orgasm is not required for conception, and it does not always accompany sexual arousal. Women often have difficulty reaching orgasm through intercourse alone. Masturbation and spending more time on foreplay can greatly increase their chances of climaxing, especially when more attention is paid to stimulating the clitoris.
The female orgasm tends to be driven by both physical and psychological arousal. Women can often experience simultaneous and multiple orgasms within a short period of time if stimulating activities continue. Oral sex, experimentation with fantasies and new sexual positions, and asking for what they want can all help women achieve orgasm.
Orgasms in Women
n women, orgasm is not required for conception, and it does not always accompany sexual arousal. Women often have difficulty reaching orgasm through intercourse alone. Masturbation and spending more time on foreplay can greatly increase their chances of climaxing, especially when more attention is paid to stimulating the clitoris.
The female orgasm tends to be driven by both physical and psychological arousal. Women can often experience simultaneous and multiple orgasms within a short period of time if stimulating activities continue. Oral sex, experimentation with fantasies and new sexual positions, and asking for what they want can all help women achieve orgasm.
What are orgasms like for women?
In women, the nerves that induce orgasm are located in the clitoris, not the vagina, and as such, they rarely orgasm during penetrative sex.
For women far more than men, sexual arousal and orgasm are highly
dependent on context, including relationship factors, the urgency of
household chores, and feelings of self-esteem.
Why are orgasms more difficult for women than men?
Women are held back from enjoying orgasms by a variety of factors, including discomfort with their body or genitals,
reluctance to “return the favor” of oral sex, not enough time spent
warming up sexually, and old-fashioned sexual scripts that prioritize
male orgasm.
While it is possible to enjoy sexual
activity without reaching orgasm, difficulty reaching or inability to
experience orgasm can become a problem for some individuals and their
sexual partners. Some men and women have disorders that make it
difficult to orgasm, which can cause shame,
frustration, and distress for the person involved, as well as their
partner. It’s important to remember that sexual encounters don’t have to
always result in an orgasm to be satisfying. Many orgasm problems, and
their effects on relationships, can be resolved with the help of a
sexual health professional.
Why do women fake having an orgasm?
Some women are too embarrassed to communicate clearly what they want to their partners; as a result, they wind up faking enthusiasm that they don’t feel, which only hurts intimacy
in the relationship in the long run. Women who are more vocal about
what they need generally are more satisfied with their sex lives.
Achieving Sexual Climax
How often do men and women achieve orgasm?
Some research shows that only 25 percent of women
reliably reach orgasm during vaginal intercourse. For men, the rate is
between 75 and 95 percent. For both men and women, orgasm is usually
achieved more quickly and reliably with masturbation.
What are some of the benefits of an orgasm?
Researchers believe that the health benefits of orgasms
include not only increased blood flow to the brain and body but
protection against some cancers and heart disease. Sexual activity that
leads to orgasm also produces more oxytocin in the body, which can promote pair-bonding and intimacy between partners.
