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Do all orgasms feel alike? Evaluating a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience across gender and sexual context.

The characteristics common to all human orgasm experiences and potential gender and contextual factors affecting these experiences were investigated in two studies. A two-dimensional descriptive model of the orgasm experience was evaluated by testing hypotheses concerning (a) fit of the model to adjective-ratings data describing male and female orgasm experiences, and (b) sexual context effects on the importance of model components. In the first model-evaluation study, 888 university students (523 women) provided adjective ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained through both solitary masturbation and sex with a partner. In a cross-validation study, 798 university students (503 women) provided similar ratings to convey orgasm experiences attained either through solitary masturbation or through sex with a partner. Overall, findings supported the utility of a two-dimensional model of the orgasm experience, an adjective-rating approach in comparing male and female orgasm, and the importance of examining sexual context effects on the orgasm experience.

Adult↗

Are orgasms in the mind or the body? Psychosocial versus physiological correlates of orgasmic pleasure and satisfaction.

We investigated the hypothesis that the subjective experience of orgasmic pleasure and satisfaction depends more on psychological and psychosocial than on physical factors. Male and female participants rated adjectives to describe orgasm attained during either solitary masturbation (n = 356) or sex with a partner (n = 442). Orgasmic pleasure and satisfaction were related more to (a) the cognitive-affective than sensory aspects of the orgasm experience; (b) the overall physical and psychological intensity of orgasm but not to anatomical location of orgasm sensations; and (d) relationship satisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of psychosocial determinants of the orgasm experience.

Adult↗

Absence of orgasm-induced prolactin secretion in a healthy multi-orgasmic male subject.

In several studies we have recently demonstrated that orgasm induces prolactin secretion in healthy males and females. This suggests that prolactin may form a feedback regulator of the refractory period following orgasm. To examine this position we investigated the prolactin response of a healthy multi-orgasmic male subject. Blood was drawn continuously during masturbation-induced orgasm. The prolactin response of the case-subject was compared with that of nine healthy adult men with a normal refractory period. The case-subject showed no prolactin response to three orgasms. Data from this multi-orgasmic subject support the hypothesized role of plasma prolactin in contributing to sexual-satiation mechanisms.

Adult↗

The technique of coital alignment and its relation to female orgasmic response and simultaneous orgasm.

To enhance male-female sexual compatibility, principles of physical alignment were formulated to make clitoral contact possible in coitus. The Coital Alignment technique combines (a) the "riding high" variation of the "missionary" coital posture, with (b) genitally focused pressure-counterpressure stimulus applied in the coordination of sexual movement. It was hypothesized that the Alignment technique would correlate with high frequency of female orgasm and partner simultaneity. A questionnaire was given to a group of males and females (n = 43) who had learned the Alignment technique, and to a volunteer group (n = 43) who had no knowledge of the Alignment concept. The mean age for the experimental females (n = 22) was 39.7, and for the control females (n = 22) was 38.7. Analysis of variance and post-hoc LSD procedures conducted on the key dependent variables showed significant differences (p less than .05, two-tailed) between experimental and control females, favoring experimental females on the orgasmic attainment criteria of coital orgasm, simultaneous orgasm, and orgasm experienced as "complete and satisfying." Pearson Product Correlations were conducted across all four groups, experimental and control males and females combined (N = 86). Greater adherence to behaviors associated with the Coital Alignment technique--learned and incidental--had a significant positive correlation with the above and additional sexual satisfaction variables (p less than .01). The Alignment technique may be an important option for a majority of women that have difficulty in attaining orgasm in coitus.

Coitus↗

The incidental orgasm: the presence of clitoral knowledge and the absence of orgasm for women.

Women report anorgasmia and other difficulties achieving orgasm. One approach to alleviating this problem is to teach women about the clitoris. This assumes that women lack information about the clitoris and that knowledge about the clitoris is correlated with orgasm. Using a non-random sample of 833 undergraduate students, our study investigates both assumptions. First, we test the amount of knowledge about the clitoris, the reported sources of this knowledge, and the correlation between citing a source and actual knowledge. Second, we measure the correlation between clitoral knowledge and orgasm in both masturbation and partnered sex. Among a sample of undergraduate students, the most frequently cited sources of clitoral knowledge (school and friends) were associated with the least amount of tested knowledge. The source most likely to correlate with clitoral knowledge (self-exploration) was among the most rarely cited. Despite this, respondents correctly answered, on average, three of the five clitoral knowledge measures. Knowledge correlated significantly with the frequency of women's orgasm in masturbation but not partnered sex. Our results are discussed in light of gender inequality and a social construction of sexuality, endorsed by both men and women, that privileges men's sexual pleasure over women's, such that orgasm for women is pleasing, but ultimately incidental.

Clitoris↗

Resolution of erectile dysfunction and inhibited male orgasm in a single homosexual male and transfer of inhibited male orgasm cure to his partner: a case report.

The following case study illustrates the treatment of a single male with an erectile dysfunction as well as an inability to achieve orgasm by partner stimulation. His partner also suffered from the latter dysfunction. Although we never saw his partner, we were able to cure both dysfunctions in the patient and reportedly his partner's difficulty as well.

Adult↗

8-13 Hz fluctuations in rectal pressure are an objective marker of clitorally-induced orgasm in women.

Orgasm is a subjective experience accompanied by involuntary muscle contractions. We hypothesized that orgasm in women would be distinguishable by frequency analysis of a perineal muscle-derived signal. Rectal pressure, an index of perineal muscle activity, was measured continuously in 23 healthy women during different sexual tasks: receiving clitoral stimulation, imitation of orgasm, and attempt to reach orgasm, in which case the women were asked to report whether orgasm had been reached ("orgasm") or not ("failed orgasm attempt"). We performed spectral analysis on the rectal pressure data and calculated the spectral power in the frequency bands delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (13-25 Hz). The most significant and most important difference in spectral power between orgasm and both control motor tasks (imitation of orgasm and failed orgasm attempt) was found in the alpha band. An objective rule based on spectral power in the alpha band recognized 94% (29/31) of orgasms and correctly labeled 69% (44/64) of all orgasm attempts as either successful or failed. Because outbursts of alpha fluctuations in rectal pressure only occurred during orgasm and not during voluntary imitation of orgasm or failed attempts, we propose that they represent involuntary contractions of muscles in the rectal vicinity. This is the first objective and quantitative measure that has a strong correspondence with the subjective experience of orgasm.

Adult↗

Frequency and timing of coital orgasm in women desirous of becoming pregnant.

Generally, no functional role, except pleasure, is assigned to a women's coital orgasm. Recently, however, researchers have suggested that women can regulate the number of sperm accepted or rejected by manipulation coital orgasm timing. Baker and Bellis (1995) demonstrated that women retain more sperm if coital orgasm occurs after, rather than before male ejaculation. The present study investigated (i) factors associated with coital orgasm frequency and (ii) whether women desirous of becoming pregnant report more coital orgasms after than before their partners. Sixty-nine women rated their desire for pregnancy and answered questions about their sexual behaviors, coital orgasm frequency, and coital orgasm timing in relation to their partners. In regression analysis, coital orgasm frequency was predicted by foreplay duration, masturbation frequency, and active sexual participation; desire for pregnancy did not predict coital orgasm frequency. Desire for pregnancy was predicted by age (negatively), active sexual participation (positively), and positively by orgasm after partner ejaculation. Consistent with the Baker and Bellis hypothesis, frequency of orgasm after partner's orgasm remained a significant predictor for desire for pregnancy after controlling for degree of marital happiness, sexual foreplay duration, and coital orgasm frequency.

Adult↗

Effects of level and degree of spinal cord injury on male orgasm.

DESIGN: Controlled, laboratory-based analysis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) on the ability to achieve male orgasm. SETTING: US academic medical center. METHODS: A laboratory-based analysis of the ability of 45 men with SCIs and 16 able-bodied control subjects to achieve orgasm coupled with a detailed neurologic examination, history and physical examination, and administration of the International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Men with SCIs were less likely than controls to achieve orgasm. Mean latency to orgasm, blood pressure and heart rates at orgasm were not significantly different between controls and SCI subjects. Men with incomplete SCIs were more likely to achieve orgasm than those with complete SCIs. A disconnect was noted between the presence of orgasm and the presence of ejaculation. Men with complete lower motor neuron dysfunction affecting their sacral segments were less likely to achieve orgasm than men with any other patterns of SCI. CONCLUSION: These results document the ability of men with complete SCIs to achieve orgasm. Characteristics of orgasm in men with SCIs as compared to able-bodied subjects are similar. Although orgasm and ejaculation are more likely to occur together, a number of men with SCIs achieve orgasm without ejaculation. Further research should explore the possibility of retraining ejaculatory and orgasmic responses in men with SCIs.

Adult↗

The prevalence and nature of orgasmic dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To define the type of orgasmic dysfunction in men after radical prostatectomy (RP), as absence of orgasm and orgasmic pain are recognized complaints, and changes in orgasm may lead to significant sexual dissatisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using an unvalidated questionnaire, demographic, erectile function and orgasmic function questions were answered by 239 patients who had previously undergone a retropubic RP. RESULTS: Of the 239 patients, 22% had no change in orgasm intensity, 37% reported a complete absence of orgasm, 37% had decreased orgasm intensity and 4% reported a more intense orgasm after RP than before. Pain during orgasm (dysorgasmia) occurred in 14% of the patients; in these respondents the pain reportedly occurred always (with every orgasm) in 33%, frequently in 13%, occasionally in 35%, and rarely in 19%. Most patients (55%) had orgasm-associated pain for <1 min. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that orgasmic functional changes are relatively common after RP and are worth considering by clinicians and researchers.

Humans↗

Orgasm in women in the laboratory--quantitative studies on duration, intensity, latency, and vaginal blood flow.

Sexual arousal by clitoral self-stimulation was used by healthy, young adult women volunteers (n = 28) to induce orgasm in the laboratory. The duration of the orgasm was obtained using the subject's verbal indication of its start and finish. The estimated duration and the subjective experience of the orgasm self-graded on a 5-point scale were also obtained in a number of subjects. Vaginal blood flow was assessed by the power consumption needed to keep a heated oxygen electrode, held on the vaginal wall by suction, at a constant temperature. The mean measured orgasm duration was 19.9 seconds (SD, +/- 12, n = 26). For 14 subjects, their estimate of the duration of their orgasms (12.2 +/- 9.8 seconds, mean +/- SD) was greatly underestimated compared with the measured duration (26 +/- 14.6 seconds). This result indicates that data obtained on the duration of orgasm from questionnaires or interviews have suspect validity. The measured duration of the orgasms was not significantly correlated with the subjective grading. The increase in vaginal blood flow at orgasm was not significantly correlated with the subjective gradings of orgasm (n = 18), the orgasm latency (time taken to induce orgasm, n = 18), or the measured duration of orgasm (n = 14).

Adult↗

Orgasm in women with spinal cord injuries: a laboratory-based assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the characteristics and physiological sexual responses of women with spinal cord injuries (SCI) during orgasm. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory-based analysis of women's physiological and subjective responses during a single session in which they attempted to perform stimulation to orgasm. SETTING: The sexual physiology laboratory at our free-standing rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A volunteer sample of 25 women with SCI and 10 able-bodied control subjects, matched for age. INTERVENTION: A 75-minute protocol designed to obtain information on the physiological events accompanying orgasm. DEPENDENT VARIABLES: Included vaginal pulse amplitude, heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, subjective arousal and subscores on the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI). RESULTS: Data were analyzed both within and across neurological groups: complete SCI, incomplete SCI, and able-bodied controls. All able-bodied subjects achieved orgasm whereas 52% of SCI subjects achieved orgasm. Degree and type of SCI did not significantly relate to subjects' ability to achieve orgasm. Subjects with no lower extremity function took significantly longer than able-bodied subjects to achieve orgasm. Differences between baseline and orgasm readings are described for each of the major physiological measures. Results of DSFI revealed that able-bodied subjects acknowledged greater sexual satisfaction than SCI subjects. Subjects who achieved orgasm scored higher on sexual information and sex drive. CONCLUSION: Results support previous self-report studies, in that a large percentage of SCI women achieved orgasm regardless of pattern or degree of neurological injury. No consistent characteristics were identified that would allow prediction of which women with SCI would be able to experience orgasm. However, subjects who achieved orgasms had a higher sex drive and greater sexual knowledge. Implications for sex therapy treatment programs with spinal cord injured women are discussed.

Adult↗

On orgasm, sexual techniques, and erotic perceptions in 18- to 74-year-old Swedish women.

OBJECTIVES: To explore, in an age perspective, women's lifetime sexual techniques and the extent to which they had led to orgasm. To relate these techniques and current erotic perceptions to orgasmic function in women sexually active during the last 12 months and to describe the relative impact of orgasmic function/dysfunction on their sexual well-being. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 18- to 74-year-old women (N = 1,335) participated. Nearly all were heterosexual. Current orgasmic capacity was broadly and subjectively classified into: no, mild, or manifest dysfunction. Sexual techniques and erotic perceptions were recorded together with level of sexual satisfaction. RESULTS: Generational differences characterized age at first orgasm and intercourse, types and width of sexual repertoire, and also current erotic perceptions, while orgasmic dysfunction and distress caused by it were less age dependent. Likely protectors of good orgasmic function, mainly against manifest dysfunction, were: a relatively early age at first orgasm, a relatively greater repertoire of techniques used--in particular having been caressed manually or orally by partner(s), achievement of orgasm by penile intravaginal movements, attaching importance to sexuality and being relatively easily sexually aroused. In turn, among other aspects of female sexual function women who did not have orgasmic dysfunction or distress were particularly likely to be satisfied with their sexual life. CONCLUSION: Besides providing data on matters frequently said to be sensitive this investigation shows that women's generation and with it several long-ranging aspects of women's sexual history and their feelings of being sexual are important indicators of their orgasmic and thereby their overall sexual well-being. When (in clinical practice) establishing treatment strategy for women with orgasmic dysfunction due respect should be given to these factors.

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