When it comes to orgasms, terms like “getting off,” “happy ending,” and “coming undone” barely scratch the surface. What do we really know about the elusive “big O” beyond the basics taught in sex ed, anecdotal exchanges, and old issues of Cosmopolitan?
Scientifically, an orgasm is characterized by rhythmic contractions occurring 0.8 seconds apart, gradually intensifying until they cease, typically accompanied by feelings of euphoria.
But the benefits of orgasms extend far beyond mere pleasure. They can forge bonds with your partner, offer temporary pain relief, and even alter your consciousness. The French eloquently refer to orgasms as ‘la petite mort’, or ‘the little death’.
That said, orgasms aren’t universally positive; some disorders can cause discomfort and pain during climax.
Beyond human experiences, the animal kingdom provides fascinating insights, where orgasms play a role in elaborate mating rituals and social hierarchies.
Here’s everything you didn’t know about orgasms—some revelations may take your breath away…
1. Your Brain Distinguishes Between Stimulation Types
Orgasms are primarily linked with genital arousal (think clitoris and anus), but research shows that about 12% of women can achieve orgasm by stimulating other erogenous zones, like lips and nipples.
Even more fascinating is that your brain can track which body areas are being stimulated.
A 2016 neurological study using brain imaging suggests that orgasms arising from different stimulations activate overlapping yet somewhat distinct neural pathways.
The sensory cortex maps various regions separately. If your partner stimulates all these areas simultaneously, it may lead to a more intense experience.
“Each of these body regions connects to different brain areas, capable of evoking distinct orgasms,” states Dr. Barry Komisaruk, a leading orgasm researcher at Rutgers University. “My hypothesis is that simultaneous stimulation leads to a more complex and pleasurable orgasm.”
2. Orgasms are Possible for Those with Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord usually serves as a two-way communication highway between the brain and the body. Severing it often results in a complete loss of sensation, including sexual. Yet, Komisaruk’s research discovered that women with severed spinal cords can still achieve orgasm.
“It was assumed the vagus nerve only relayed signals to the abdomen,” Komisaruk notes. “However, imaging reveals that sensory signals from reproductive organs can bypass damaged spinal cords and travel through the vagus nerve directly to the brain’s reward centers.
“It’s likely that the vagus nerve continuously responds to vaginal and cervical stimulation, intensifying its function in cases of spinal cord injury.”
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3. Orgasms Lower Dopamine and Raise Testosterone
During orgasm, your body releases various hormones and neurotransmitters. While oxytocin, the ‘attachment hormone’, is well-known, prolactin—a dopamine inhibitor—creates a see-saw effect on dopamine levels.
“Dopamine serves as a motivator,” explains Dr. Nicole Prause, a neuroscientist and sexual psychophysiology expert at the University of Michigan. “While it increases during arousal, it drops post-orgasm due to prolactin.”
Another popular myth is that ejaculation and masturbation lower testosterone. Advocates of this view often suggest abstaining to ‘reclaim’ masculine energy. Yet, this notion is completely inaccurate.
“Testosterone actually rises with sexual arousal and peaks during orgasm,” Prause clarifies. “This is only a temporary increase, but it proves that sex and orgasms do not deplete testosterone levels.”
4. Orgasms Can Temporarily Alleviate Pain
We’ve all heard the cliché about headaches; however, achieving climax is proven to temporarily relieve pain effectively.
One key substance released during orgasm is vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
“In my study, we found that during orgasm, the pelvic nerve releases VIP, acting as a powerful painkiller,” Komisaruk explains.
“VIP is so effective that we required higher morphine doses to match its pain-relieving effects in women.”
5. Not All Orgasms Feel Pleasant
Orgasms are often associated with pleasure, but for some, the experience can be painful. “This could occur for various reasons,” explains Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, co-author of The Orgasm Answer Guide.
“Contractions at orgasm may feel intensified if you have hyper-tenacity of pelvic floor muscles, which might not always translate into pleasure.
This could be symptomatic of an underlying condition, like prostatitis, endometriosis, or fibroids. If this pain disrupts your sex life, consult your physician.”
Nasserzadeh also notes that some post-coital pain may be psychosomatic, resulting from emotional or psychological issues linked to past trauma.
Furthermore, it’s estimated that 0.6–3% of people experience Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), leading to spontaneous sensations of arousal without sexual desire.
“Our study found strong evidence that PGAD might stem from Tarlov cysts on genital sensory nerves,” Komisaruk shares. “In other cases, bulging spinal discs irritating nerve fibers can also cause PGAD symptoms. Research indicates that surgical treatment can alleviate symptoms.”
6. Some Medications Can Impair Orgasm
SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) used for depression and anxiety can lead to temporary sexual dysfunction.
SSRIs elevate serotonin levels, disrupting hormonal balance and neurotransmitters. Symptoms may include reduced libido and genital numbness.
“An apt metaphor for orgasm is a hot and cold water faucet,” explains Komisaruk. “Neurochemicals responsible for orgasm generate excitement and inhibition simultaneously, which SSRIs can disrupt.”
These side effects typically resolve as the body adjusts, but in some cases, sexual dysfunction may persist even after discontinuation of SSRIs.
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7. Arousal Can Shift Your Organs
After an intense session, you might feel like your insides shifted. This phenomenon, known as ‘tenting’ in women, occurs to provide space for deeper penetration.
“During stimulation, increased blood flow engorges the female genitals, lifting the uterus and retracting the cervix,” Nasserzadeh clarifies.
8. Other Animals Use Tools for Arousal
While sex serves reproductive purposes, many species enjoy coitus for pleasure. Bottlenose dolphins have been observed in masturbation and homosexual activities.
Notably, the bonobo primate uses sex as a social tool. “Bonobos display remarkable intelligence,” notes Komisaruk, “showing sex as a tension-relieving mechanism or a means to reconcile after disputes.”
Additionally, studies indicate some female Japanese macaques employ sticks and stones for self-stimulation, suggesting a pursuit of pleasure beyond mere survival. “These behaviors highlight healthy social interactions within various species,” Komisaruk adds.
9. Pigs Have Unique Sexual Physiology
Pigs also engage in fascinating sexual behavior, with boars capable of sustaining orgasms for minutes. A high-performance boar can ejaculate between 200 to 250ml of semen during these lengthy climaxes, which can last up to 30 minutes—record-breaking for the animal kingdom.
In mating, a male boar’s saliva contains testosterone metabolites that initiate a response in sows, rendering them immobilized, allowing successful mating.
10. Orgasms Can Alter Your Consciousness
Feeling dazed post-orgasm isn’t unusual, as your brain undergoes significant changes. Studies show that orgasm can deactivate parts of the orbitofrontal cortex, influencing decision-making and leading to involuntary reactions during climax.
Dr. Komisaruk describes the brain’s response during orgasm, noting, “There’s synchronized activation across the brain. Huge neuron clusters fire simultaneously, leading to a temporary loss of typical awareness.”
Clearly, there’s much more to orgasms than meets the eye!
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
