Orgasm is one of the most intense pleasures attainable to an organism, yet its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. On the basis of existing literatures, this article introduces a novel mechanistic model of sexual stimulation and orgasm. In doing so, it characterizes the neurophenomenology of sexual trance and climax, describes parallels in dynamics between orgasms and seizures, speculates on possible evolutionary origins of sex differences in orgasmic responding, and proposes avenues for future experimentation. Here, a model is introduced wherein sexual stimulation induces entrainment of coupling mechanical and neuronal oscillatory systems, thus creating synchronized functional networks within which multiple positive feedback processes intersect synergistically to contribute to sexual experience. These processes generate states of deepening sensory absorption and trance, potentially culminating in climax if critical thresholds are surpassed.
Navigation menu
Sexual rhythms and evolution
The female orgasm is a series of pleasurable physical sensations and feelings which occurs following, and represents the peak in, sexual stimulation. Orgasm in females is a complex multidimensional phenomenon involving both physical and emotional components. However, not a lot of research has been conducted about the female orgasm and the physical and emotional changes which accompany it are not properly understood. Many authors have attempted to define the female orgasm but as yet there is no universally accepted definition, and those which do exist tend to disagree on the about the relative importance of physical and emotional components of the female orgasm. For the most part, existing definitions fail to integrate the physical and emotional dimensions of orgasm into a single definition. Some defintions e. It has been argued that definitions which integrate both physical and emotional dimensions of orgasm e.
References
Due to the heteronormative nature of the research conducted on this topic, the information in this article does not reference intersex individuals. However, orgasm is an experience that can be achieved by many individuals regardless of genitalia and we encourage readers to use this article to become interested in what may be happening to their body during orgasm. Sexual arousal and orgasm are extremely complex biological functions, affecting numerous areas of the body from the skin to the brain. To make matters even more complicated, so much about the orgasm differs between the sexes—from the how, to the why, to the when.
The following chapter will discuss the physiology of arousal and orgasm. Arousal includes the physiology of erection and increased lubrication production due to a combination of mental and physical stimuli. Orgasm typically includes the release of ejaculate and involuntary muscle contractions accompanied by feelings of euphoria. Immediately following orgasm there is resolution of vasocongestion in erectile tissue followed by feelings of contentment and relaxation. The physiological process of arousal can begin due to sexual thoughts or from physical stimulation. Mostly commonly, the combination of mental and physical input together — synapsing with the sacral nerves roots — leads to reflexive patterns of physiologic arousal. Due to the reflexive nature of the response, positive mental stimulation is it not a requirement for physical signs of arousal to occur. Also, in the case of spinal cord injury, the location of the injury relative to the sacral nerve roots will dictate whether input from the brain, or from physical stimulation, will lead to physical signs of arousal. Sexual sensations are typically most intense due to physical stimulation of the glans of the clitoris or penis, although arousal can also occur due to stimulation of the nipples, all portions of the clitoris and penis, the vulva and perineal region, prostate, urethra, bladder, anal epithelium, scrotum, testes and vas deferens. Efferent and afferent signals related to sexual arousal travel along many nerves including the pudendal, pelvic splanchnic, hypogastric, vagus, ilioinguinal, posterior femoral cutaneous and genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve.
