What
is An Orgasm? An
orgasm is an emotional and physical experience that occurs during
a “sexual response cycle”. Before an orgasm, your body
becomes increasingly excited. Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure
increases. The pupils of the eyes dilate; the lips of the mouth
darken, the nipples become erect, the clitoris swells, becomes hard
and exposed, (much like the aroused penis). With increased excitement,
the skin becomes flushed and it begins to sweat. In women, the labia,
clitoris, vagina and pelvic organs enlarge in very much the same
way as the aroused penis enlarges. Sometimes there is a plateau
of excitement which is held for several minutes before you are about
to orgasm.
Orgasm is the point at which all the tension is suddenly released
in a series of involuntary and pleasurable muscular contractions
that may be felt in the vagina and/or uterus (some women do experience
orgasms without contractions).
The
orgasm happens when excitement seems to go over the edge -- a climax
or crescendo is reached which may last several seconds or longer.
During orgasm the body stiffens and the muscles contract. Involuntary
muscle contractions and spasms may occur in various parts of the
body, including your legs, stomach, arms, and back. The muscles
of the vagina relax and contract rapidly, as do the muscles of the
uterus. The glands of the vagina (Bartholin's glands) discharge
a watery secretion, which acts to lubricate the vagina. It is often
said to be the equivalent to the male ejaculation. The main physical
changes that occur during a sexual experience are a result of vasocongestion.
This is the accumulation of blood in various parts of the body.
Muscular tension increases and other changes occur throughout your
body also.
Multiple
Orgasm in Women It’s
no secret that many women have multiple orgasms. Masters and Johnson
documented this occurrence more than 25 years ago. But, do they
serve a purpose besides from a pleasurable one? Theories suggest
that muscular contractions associated with orgasms pull sperm from
the vagina to the cervix, where it's in better position to reach
the egg. Researchers believe that if a woman climaxes up until 45
minutes after her lover ejaculates, she will retain significantly
more sperm than she does after non-orgasmic sex.
Endorphins
Orgasms
cause a release of endorphins into one's spinal fluid. Endorphins
are also somewhat responsible for the emotion of happiness, pleasure,
calming effect and so on.
The
Endorphin Mystery Many
researchers believe that strenuous exercise releases endorphins
into the blood stream. Others agree that endorphins are released
during orgasm, as well as during laughter. Endorphins are a group
of substances formed within the body that naturally relieve pain.
They have a similar chemical structure to morphine. In addition
to their analgesic affect, endorphins are thought to be involved
in controlling the body's response to stress, regulating contractions
of the intestinal wall, and determining mood. They may also regulate
the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, notably growth
hormone and the gonadotropin hormones. It also seems that endorphin
stimulation may occur with frequent sex and masturbation. These
are the belief of many researchers, we are just providing you with
the information, you decide if you want to impress the biology class
with this knowledge, friends, or whatever.
There
is no evidence that too much sex (or exercise or laughter, for that
matter) and consequential elevated levels of endorphins have any
kind of endorphin depletion effect -- that is depletion of bodily
endorphins, which could lead to depression. It is believed that
endorphins are recycled by the body as are other brain chemicals.
There currently is research being done to evaluate the full range
of endorphins' functions in the body, especially how they relate
to the prevention of illness and their beneficial affects in cancer
and depressed patients. This is not a known fact at this time, but
speculation by the medical community.
What's
The Difference Between Clitoral and Vaginal Orgasms?
The difference between a "clitoral" and a "vaginal"
orgasm is where you are being stimulated to achieve orgasm, not
where you feel the orgasm. This may clear up some of the confusion
around this common question. The clitoris has a central role in
elevating feelings of sexual tension. During sexual excitement,
the clitoris swells and changes position. The blood vessels through
the whole pelvic area also swell, causing engorgement and creating
a feeling a fullness and sexual sensitivity. Your inner vaginal
lips swell and change shape. Your vagina balloons upward, and your
uterus shifts position in your pelvis.
For some women, the outer third of their vagina and the cervix are
also very sensitive or even more sensitive than the clitoris. When
stimulated during intercourse or other vaginal penetration, these
women do have intense orgasms. This would be what is referred to
as a vaginal orgasm -- without clitoral stimulation. (Sigmund Freud
made a pronouncement that the "mature" woman has orgasms
only when hervagina,
but not her clitoris, is stimulated). This of course, made the man's
penis central to a woman's sexual satisfaction. Many sexual health
experts still disagree about any actual female
ejaculation, although you will find plenty of web
sites that will want to teach you how to do this for a fee, here
you can check it out for free. For more on the often misunderstood
G-spot,
see that page. Many woman may only require extra lubrication in order to have an orgasm. Experiment with lubricants!
In
reality, orgasms are a very individual experience and there is no
one correct pattern of sexual response. Whatever feels wonderful
to you, makes you feel alive and happy, AND connected with your
partner is what matters. Enjoy!
Recommended
Reading: Click on the text for more or to purchase the
book.
Orgasms
for Two - by Betty Dodson. Practical ideas
for improving sexual skills so men and women can add extra dimensions
of excitement and pleasure to their lovemaking, with drawings.
Sex
for One: The Joy of Selfloving
For more than 20 years, Betty Dodson has been dedicated to taking
the shame out of masturbation, showing it to be a healthy form of
sexual expression. With informative line drawings, Dodson explains
how anyone can learn to fully enjoy the pleasures of self-love.
What
Your Mother Never Told You about Sex! - by Dr. Hutchinson
- After more than twenty years in gynecological practice, Dr. Hutcherson
addresses what she sees as an overwhelming ignorance about sexual
matters that dramatically impacts the lives of women of all ages.
Great book, great for all couples!
See the new 
