It’s wonderful that we live in a world that celebrates the
orgasm. Granted, there are still many people in the world that don’t understand
orgasms, realize their benefits, or seek to control them for negative reasons.
Having a national observation day gives us a chance to focus on this amazing
thing the body can do. Orgasms make us feel good, help us bond with partners,
release helpful hormones, reduces stress and contributes to our overall health.
We all experience orgasms in our own personal way; some quickly, some with lots
of effort, some multiple times, some with one big blow out. How does this sexy
bodily function work and what does it do for our bodies? Lets take a closer
look.
Body and Brain
An orgasm is an incredible feat of mind and body, the result
of physical stimulation and mental stimulation. Masters and Johnson considered
it the third of four stages in human sexual response. Our genitals have
sensitive nerve packed areas that are specifically designed for pleasure. Physical
stimulation of these areas starts a chain reaction while our minds are
processing what’s happening to cue different physical reactions. The groundwork
is laid during foreplay. As we start getting aroused the brain sends blood
flooding to our genitals. This increased blood flow causes our genitals to
swell and become more sensitive. Women have an increase in lubrication in the
vagina and vulva. Our breathing and heart rate increases. This process is
changing not only our bodies but changing what’s happening in our brains. We
shut down parts of our brain, mostly ones that regulate things like fear, worry
and planning. Our minds are only focused in the moments leading up to orgasm.
The hypothalamus releases hormones so we’re flooded with oxytocin, dopamine and
endorphins. When all these things reach a peak, the body releases all the
tension that’s built up in waves through the genitals. This causes contractions
within the vagina and usually results in ejaculation in the penis. The anal
sphincter, pubococcygeus (pc) muscle, perineum and other muscles join in these
contractions. Orgasms come in different sizes. They can be intense, light, last
for ages, last a moment, can happen only once, happen repeatedly with multiple orgasms,
and can be elusive and not happen at all.
Why We Do It
We still don’t really know why we orgasm. There’s been
limited research and a hypothesis that it is necessary for conception. Orgasm
can bring on ejaculation and cause contractions within the vagina. It’s thought
these rhythmic contractions act as an assist for the sperm. It’s also thought
to be an important factor in mate selection and partner bonding. It may also be
a reward system using pleasure to keep us mating and bearing children. There is
some evidence that orgasms may increase fertility in women. Although orgasms are not required to get
pregnant there may be benefits that help conception along and insure greater
chances. But orgasms aren’t just triggered with direct contact with genitals.
Clitoral and penile stimulation may be a direct way to orgasm but we can also
orgasm through nipple stimulation and even mental images unaccompanied by
touch. There are health benefits that accompany orgasm that help us physically
and mentally. Orgasms can help reduce stress, depression and pain. It may help
you sleep better, reduce menstrual pain, and improve your memory. It can help
you live longer, boost our immune system and even help reduce the chances of
getting breast and prostate cancer.
Orgasms Are Easy and Other Myths
A basic myth is that orgasms need to be mind-blowing earth
shattering experiences or you’re doing something wrong. This is certainly not
the case. Any orgasm is a good orgasm and there’s nothing wrong if you don’t
have one at all. The only reason to be concerned with a lack of orgasm is if
it’s not happening often enough for you or not happening at all. You could have
Anorgasmia, which is an inability to achieve orgasm. There can be a multitude
of issues that cause Anorgasmia, things like medication, stress, depression,
illness, and physical impairments. All of which can be worked on with a doctor
or therapist. Another myth is that intercourse should always result in an
orgasm. Not everyone achieves orgasm through penetrative sex alone, they may
need more external stimulation or help with a toy or two. You may also need to
vary your positions to find ones that work better for you. Sex doesn’t need to
end with orgasm either. You can enjoy the pleasure you’ve shared even if you
never fully made it to orgasm. Sex is still good sex even without climax. Orgasms
also don’t come quickly and easily for everyone, sometimes it takes lots of
time and effort.
More Myths
It’s also not true that women are the only ones who can have
multiple orgasms since men can have them too. Some people believe that g-spot
orgasms are a myth but many women would say otherwise. Just because you haven’t
experienced it, nor science can conclusively prove its existence, doesn’t mean
it doesn’t happen. Female ejaculation and squirting are also not a myth, it
just doesn’t happen to everyone. You also don’t lose your ability to experience
orgasms as you age. Plenty of people continue to have amazing orgasms well into
their golden years. Another myth is that not achieving orgasm has to do with
the skill of your partner. This is not true since many issues can factor into
lack of orgasm. Communication with your partner and knowing what works best for
you helps a great deal.
Celebrate Throughout The Year
Having a day to celebrate the orgasm is a great way to
increase awareness and start a dialogue about the benefits of orgasm. Spend the
rest of the year learning about how your body responds to different stimuli by
varying positions and possibilities. Don’t be afraid of using toys and definitely
don’t forget that your largest sex organ is your brain. If you’re having
trouble achieving orgasms or just getting the ones you want, talk to a doctor
or a good quality sex educator that’s not afraid to use upfront and honest
language with you. Your orgasms are important to you. You get to feel good
while doing great things for you mind and body.
By: Technogeisha
Follow on Twitter @Technogeisha
Follow on Twitter @Technogeisha
