Special Focus: ANS and Female Matters

 Please note that this blog is recommended for adults over 18 years of age. Minor children should be supervised when ever they are on the Internet. This is a physiologic explanation of the female orgasm. Explicit language and anatomical terms will be used to discuss this topic. However, some imagination is required and this is not meant to be a vivid encapsulation.

Please note: We are not here to provide an ethical opinion on whether or not women should or should not experience orgasms.

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The Autonomic Nervous System: Focus on The Female Limbic System and Vaginal Orgasms

After discussing it with many women over decades of time, we decided to address this subject because so many women have difficulty reaching orgasm. Some women have never had one. 

In 1905, Sigmund Freud stated that clitoral orgasms were pubescent, and that the mature woman experienced vaginal orgasms. Perhaps this made the penis the center of sex, taking the attention away from the female clitoris. 

Whatever the cause, it could be that many women have never experienced a vaginal orgasm. This topic may not be freely discussed amongst mothers and their daughters, nor girlfriend to girlfriend.  Additionally, the medical school curriculum does consider the anatomy of the genitalia of both men and women. The physiology of orgasm, much less the female vaginal orgasm (some call it the G-Spot orgasm) may never be discussed at all.

Three psychosocial issues:

(1) Some men (and women) are 'against' women having an orgasm, whether it is clitoral or vaginal. A plethora of information exists to try to explain this cultural and/or religious concept. We are not here to change a culture.

(2) Some men really, truly wish for their woman to experience orgasm.

(3) Many citations hold that for the female, orgasm can only occur when there is an environment free of inhibitions. The female must be certain that she can relax and succumb to sexual pleasure. Women who are able to "fully relax" and "let go" may be more likely to be multi-orgasmic.

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Onward we go.

Manual or other stimulation of the clitoris, as well as pressure around or in the vagina can be performed so as to be pleasurable to the female. This can cause pelvic fulness and body tension to build to a Peak. When the Peak of orgasm occurs, the female body enters in to a series of involuntary reactions that can involve the clitoris, vaginal muscles, the uterus, and even the rectum (1). The autonomic nervous system is activated and bodily functions are not under conscious control. Rather, the body responds on its own accord.

Other physiologic reactions include: changes in blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory pattern, respiratory rate, swelling of the clitoris, displacement of the clitoris and uterus, blood engorgement into the vagina, pelvis, and clitoris; swelling of the labia majora and/or labia minora, increase in vaginal secretions, and vasocongestion. After orgasm, there is prolactin release and a feeling of general euphoria ensues.

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What is a vaginal orgasm? Some say, "The difference between a "clitoral" and a "vaginal" orgasm lies in which body part is stimulated to achieve orgasm, not necessarily where you feel the orgasm.  (1). A Wikopedia Search (2) shows that there may be no consensus, really, as to a definition. In 2001, there were 26 different definitions given for 'orgasm' in Clinical Psychology Review (3). Here, we hold that if the orgasm was stimulated by the clitoris, but is sustained by the vagina and is felt in the vagina, then that makes it a Vaginal Orgasm.

There are reports of nipple stimulation leading to orgasm, of spontaneous orgasm without stimulation, and of multiple orgasms. More usually, stimulation of the clitoris and/or vagina can lead to orgasm such that the muscles around the hole of the vagina are entered into a series of spasms, one after the other. This is the orgasm.

Multiple orgasms may occur such that there may be a 5-10 second delay after one 'round' of orgasm, and then another orgasm can occur. This state may be maintained by the female body for 5-10 orgasms in one sexual encounter. 

How does it feel? Massively intense and euphoric. Many women experience an urge to pee, and the feeling may 'tickle', especially after the orgasm is ended. But it does not end there. While Johnson and Johnson may have delineated the stages of orgasm in the 1960' and 1970's (4), we readdress them here, in 2012 format.

            The Momentum: there is a rhythm that is established. Like the ticking of a clock, the rhythm is sequential and spaced out with the timing of music. It could be either fast or slow. But eventually, it is a rhythm that the female body picks up on, and it is acknowledged as the next step ensues.

            The Aura: the upcoming 'knowledge' that the orgasm is 'about to occur'. All of life seems to go still. If the 'timing' is altered, or if there is a distraction of some kind, the orgasm may be 'lost'. Another Momentum would need to be re-established. While the female body is in The Aura, it is as if a train is in motion, slowly gaining momentum in a precious and intense moment. One knows that one is about to have an orgasm. At this point, the previous 'timing' of Stage 1, The Momentum, is lost. The orgasm takes on a timing of its own. It occurs in thrusts.

           The Event: One. The first whoosh. The nipples contract and harden. The blood supply to the vagina and clitoris increases, as do the mucous membrane secretions. The timing can slow down just a little bit. This leaves a gap of intensity as whoosh. The second rub of friction causes the vaginal muscles to contract in full orgasm. Then there is another gap, a slight ebb of the tide. Gives a woman a chance to breathe. Then whoosh. (Breathe) Whoosh. (Breathe) Whoosh. (Breathe) With each thrust, another spasm of orgasm occurs. Whoosh. Squirt, as a little urine or mucous makes its way out. This is perfectly normal.

           During The Event, the female can bear down on her vagina, as if pushing out to have a baby. For many women, this added muscular contraction enhances the orgasm, bringing it to a final and massively intense conclusion.

           The Ebb: The major orgasm is over. This is also known as The Refractory Period. Relaxation sets in due to prolactin hormone release (5). But the body, the vagina, and the vaginal muscles are still tightened and warm. The clitoris is highly sensitive. A female can cross her legs at the thighs, squeeze her vaginal muscles, and perhaps have another orgasm. 

          The Flow: This process can continue, as Momentum builds up again and the Ebb leads to yet another time of Momentum. Orgasm after orgasm can ensue. This Cycling is exactly what separates the female body from that of the male. The male can usually experience sperm ejaculation one time before being 'spent' and requiring rest. The female's body, however, differs greatly. She can experience a Flow of repeated orgasms, one after the other...rest...and then have one after the other again.

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Perhaps too many women have never experienced an orgasm during sexual play. Perhaps fewer women have had an orgasm during sexual intercourse. And perhaps a minority of women can actually have an orgasm at the same time that the man does. It is well documented and generally known that females have the ability to 'fake' sexual orgasm by creating sounds and respiratory patterns that simulate an orgasm. 

There is a need for women to know their bodies, and to learn how to experience sexual orgasm with an intensity that allows them to be better partners. While many women may wonder, "What is all the hub-ub?" about sex, perhaps the above Steps to Orgasm may help a woman to experience an orgasm. Once a female body is able to have an orgasm, it seems logical that this female would be more interested in having sex, would initiate sex more often (a big complaint of many husbands), and would truly enjoy it (instead of considering it a 'duty'). 

We hypothesize that female orgasm, especially amongst women who have autonomic dysfunction, may provide many benefits. The physiologic changes in metabolic rate are similar to those of going to the gym, making an orgasm 'workout' possible even while bed-ridden. If a state of general euphoria can be reached during The Ebb of the Refractory Period, this may be sustained for unknown lengths of time. It could be that neuroendocrine hormone release of prolactin, oxytocin, endorphins, and encephalons are released. These may serve to enhance the female psyche, to provide general well-being, and to generate the initiation of sexual activity. It is reasonable to believe that a sexually satisfied female may experience less depression, feelings of low self-esteem, and more inner joy if she were able to maintain a regular sexual diet of orgasms.

Perhaps here, it is better for man to 'give ' than to receive. In so doing, he may reap more rewards and gain a superbly satisfied sexual partner who longs for him wantingly.

We hold that these Female Matters matter. More coming soon.

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(1) Columbia Health, Go Ask Alice. Dec 23, 1994 and revised March 28, 2008. http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/difference-between-clitoral-and-vaginal-orgasm

(2) Google search: orgasm; Wikipedia; February 17, 2011; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orgasm

(3) Mah K, Binik YT. The nature of human orgasm: a critical review of major trends. Clinial Psychology Review 21(6): 823-56, 2001. 

(4) Masters, WH and Johnson VE. Human Sexual Response. Boston: Little, Brown and Co. 1970. 
(5) Exton, MD. Kruger TH, Koch M, et al. (April 2001). Coitus-induced orgasm stimulates prolactin secretion in healthy subjects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 26(3): 287-294.