From the Guidelines
An orgasm is the peak of sexual pleasure that occurs during sexual activity, involving intense physical and emotional sensations, and is typically characterized by rhythmic contractions of the genital muscles, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, along with a feeling of release and pleasure. This definition is supported by the most recent guidelines on disorders of ejaculation, which highlight the importance of understanding orgasm in the context of sexual function and mental health 1. According to these guidelines, orgasm is closely related to ejaculation in males, and disorders of ejaculation, such as premature ejaculation (PE) and delayed ejaculation (DE), can pose a major impediment to sexual satisfaction for both men and their partners 1.
Key Characteristics of Orgasm
- Intense physical and emotional sensations
- Rhythmic contractions of the genital muscles
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
- Feeling of release and pleasure
- Typically coincides with ejaculation in males, and involves contractions of the vaginal and pelvic muscles in females
Importance of Understanding Orgasm
Understanding orgasm is crucial in the diagnosis and management of disorders of ejaculation, as it can help clinicians provide appropriate education and treatment to patients experiencing distress related to these conditions 1. The experience of orgasm varies widely among individuals, and can be influenced by physical, psychological, or relationship factors. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to addressing difficulties with orgasm is essential, and may involve communication, education, or professional help when needed.
From the Research
Definition of Orgasm
- Orgasm is a sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered consciousness state accompanied by pelvic striated circumvaginal musculature and uterine/anal contractions and myotonia that resolves sexually-induced vasocongestion and induces well-being/contentment 2
- Orgasm is an intense transient peak sensation of intense pleasure creating an altered state of consciousness associated with reported physical changes 3
- An orgasm in the human female is a variable, transient peak sensation of intense pleasure, creating an altered state of consciousness, usually with an initiation accompanied by involuntary, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic striated circumvaginal musculature, often with concomitant uterine and anal contractions, and myotonia that resolves the sexually induced vasocongestion and myotonia, generally with an induction of well-being and contentment 4
- Orgasm is one of the most intense pleasures attainable to an organism, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood 5
- The female orgasm is a normal psychophysiological function to all women, and some even can achieve ejaculation as part of the normal physiological response at the height of sexual arousal 6
Characteristics of Orgasm
- Orgasm is usually accompanied by involuntary, rhythmic contractions of the pelvic striated circumvaginal musculature, often with concomitant uterine and anal contractions, and myotonia 2, 4
- Orgasm resolves sexually-induced vasocongestion and induces well-being/contentment 2
- Orgasm is influenced by many aspects such as communication, emotional intimacy, long-standing relationship, adequate body image and self-esteem, proper touching and knowledge of the female body, regular masturbation, male sexual performance, male and female fertility, chronic pain, and capacity to engage in new sexual acts 6
- Stronger orgasms could be achieved when clitoral stimulation, anterior vaginal wall stimulation, and oral sex is involved in the same sexual act 6
Types of Orgasm
- Female Orgasmic Disorder, the second most frequently reported women's sexual problem is considered to be the persistent or recurrent delay in, or absence of, orgasm following a normal sexual excitement phase that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty (DSM-IV) 2
- Female ejaculation follows orgasm, and it consists of the orgasmic expulsion of a smaller quantity of whitish fluid produced by the female prostate 6
- Squirting can be differentiated from female ejaculation because it is the orgasmic transurethral expulsion of a substantial amount of diluted urine during sexual activity, and it is not considered pathological 6