Big Bang Theory: All about the female orgasm

The female orgasm has baffled medicos, and men, for centuries. In fact, once upon a time, it wasn’t even considered to be an event. While there are still many blank spaces in the medical literature, we do know a lot more about the different types, catalysts and definitions of The ‘Big O’.So read on to fill in your own blanks.

"What is the female orgasm?" … he asked

Definitions can range on this subject but it is widely accepted that the best representation of the female orgasm is one that integrates both the physical and emotional dimensions, such as, "a sudden, intense sensation just prior to genitopelvic contractions (a kind of muscle spasm in the pants area)."

While there is some contention about the importance of the emotional or physical aspects, it is considered the peak in sexual stimulation. Regardless, there is no universal definition.

Measure for measure

Despite contention on the definition, there are several techniques to measure the female orgasm. ‘Objective’ techniques involve measuring the physiological or hormonal changes that occur during the peak of a sexual encounter.

This means the actual physical events occurring in the body, like the increase of prolactin and oxytocin levels in the blood. Researchers have also found an increase in heart rate (measured using a monitor) as well as blood pressure. Vasocongestion is also measured, which is the swelling of the genital tissues due to increased blood flow, measured with a device known as a photoplethysmograph.

As a side note, a photoplethysmograph is a tampon-shaped device, inserted into the vagina or bottom during sexual stimulation. Who says science researchers can’t get freaky?

The ‘subjective’ techniques focus on the feeling, so ladies are asked to rate the nature, timing and other experiences of an orgasm. Researchers ask questions about sensations that feel like shooting, flooding, flushing, throbbing, emotional intimacy and satisfaction, among others.

Was it good for you? Types of female orgasms

While research shows most orgasms are characterised by the same physical aspects, many women will indicate the emotions, feeling or intensity of different orgasms can vary dramatically. There are generally two broad ‘types’ – one that involves the whole body, and one that is localised to the genitopelvic region (yes, that pants area again).

Our old friend Sigmund Freud initiated the idea that there is a difference between clitoral and vaginally induced orgasms. While no evidence has been put forward to confirm his theory (and many ladies might suggest Mr Freud didn’t know a lot about women), some women do say it is typically easier to achieve orgasm with clitoral stimulation than without.

Vaginal orgasms on the other hand are said to be more psychologically intense and satisfying, and to produce widespread, whole body sensations.

Also, it is reported by many women that orgasms are more emotionally and physically satisfying with penetrative vaginal sex, as opposed to no penetration at all.

Getting there: Who experiences the female orgasm?

Evidence suggests that virtually all women can experience an orgasm although some never do, either due to physical or psychosocial factors. It’s even been recorded that some women can ‘get there’ through visual stimulation alone. But mostly, women will require fairly intense sexual stimulation, and particularly clitoral stimulation is necessary to induce orgasm.

An Australian survey found nearly 30% of women had problems achieving orgasm and it does seem to get a little more difficult over the age of 50. Some women stop having orgasms after this age. This is called anorgasmia (inability to orgasm).

How often a woman gets the big bang ranges dramatically and there is no real ‘normal’. Some lucky ladies do experience what is known as ‘multiple orgasms’, but literature doesn’t define exactly what constitutes ‘multiple’. We leave that to the ladies to know.

Directions on ‘getting there’

Having an orgasm can be a tricky task, especially for some women. Ability to do so can involve both emotional and physical factors. Some studies suggest that a woman will have a better chance of reaching her destination if she is relaxed and/or feeling emotionally intimate during the sexual encounter.

Emotional intimacy can come from feeling secure and happy in a relationship and a study has reported that women rated a higher pleasure sensation when they were satisfied in their relationship. So if your partner isn’t cutting it in the home, it may not cut it in the bedroom. Depression or self-esteem also affect how a woman feels and if she can truly relax.

Women have copped a lot of flak throughout history, too, and some of this still hangs around. The idea that women shouldn’t be ‘enjoying sex’ is still a problem and can affect the way women feel about personally enjoying sex. So break off the shackles, ladies! Unless, of course, that’s what gets you there…

There are some medical conditions and medications that may make it a little hard to find your way. It is thought spinal cord injury, cancer, rectal disease, genital surgery, anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders can have a very negative affect on a woman’s sexuality.

If you are taking meds for depression, or perhaps if you are on the Pill, it may affect your mood. This, in turn, may affect your mood in the bedroom. This is normal and many women do experience this at some point.

On the other hand, there are many things that can really help to increase your ability to orgasm. Foreplay definitely ‘comes to mind’. So tell your partner to hit the brakes if he or she is going too fast for you to truly enjoy yourself. Playing an active role in the sexual encounter, initiating sex, and masturbating were also associated with women having more frequent orgasms during intercourse.

Pure pleasure?

There is no concrete evidence to support the theory that the female orgasm is required in reproduction. It doesn’t even really seem to matter. There is, again, some contention on this issue, and there is even a theory called ‘up-suck’, which suggests the muscular contractions may work to, well, ‘suck’ in the semen – but this isn’t widely supported.

It is also noted that orgasmic release isn’t necessary for a woman to have a satisfying sexual experience. Much of the sexual experience comes from the intimacy and pleasure of the encounter itself. However, if you are having trouble achieving orgasm and you’re not happy with this, then talking to a sex therapist will help you sort out what may be holding you back.