Orgasm |
What Is An Orgasm?
Let's clarify what an orgasm actually is
An article from Women's Health Journal, “Orgasm Achieved,” states that:
“The female orgasm is triggered by the complex structure of tissues of the clitoris. There exists no “mature” vaginal orgasm… The sensations that lead to orgasm, which can be felt in the vagina, originate in the nerves and blood vessels of the clitoris” (36).
The author also clarifies that :
“women's sexual anatomy is just as extensive as men's. The ‘clitoris' is not just the glans, but a complex organ system that includes bodies of erectile tissue, glands, nerves, blood vessels and muscles- just as the penis does… Direct or indirect pressure, either manual or with some object, on (the clitoris) is the kind of stimulation necessary to excite women to orgasm. Female orgasm, characterized by waves of pleasure and warmth, culminates in rhythmic contractions of the muscles surrounding the anus, vagina, urethra, and, in general, the entire pelvic area ” (36).
But there is a lot more going on
Here is what happens during an orgasm on a more broken-down level: during arousal, after a sufficient period of physical stimulation,
“the muscles and ligaments begin to contract in response to messages from the brain, creating what we call ‘sexual tension.' The suspensory ligament shortens and pulls the glans back underneath the hood, where it will probably remain until orgasm. The end of the round ligament tugs on the inner lips on one end, and the uterus on the other, creating tension and pleasurable sensations in the inner lips and involving the uterus in the orgasmic process… muscle tension builds to a crescendo and all of the clitoral tissues become hypersensitive due to the increased blood supply. The bloodstream is now saturated with sexual chemicals and the skin on the rest of the body- the face and neck, abdomen, buttocks, hands, and feet- also becomes more sensitive, but you may hardly be aware of it, since the brain is now awash in naturally produced mind-altering substances. At some point, like an overloaded electrical circuit shorting out, the muscular tension explodes in a series of quick, rhythmic contractions, partially expelling blood from engorged tissues and releasing a further cascade of hormones, peptides, and opioids in the bloodstream and… orgasm” (Chalker, 57-58).
There is also the matter of the G-spot
Or the Grafenberg spot, a “hypersensitive area inside the vagina” (Chalker, 94). It is also called the urethral sponge, and is part of the clitoral system. It can be felt on the inside front wall of the vagina, though its size and location vary from person to person. Stimulation of the G-spot can greatly intensify sexual pleasure and orgasm, though of course what feels best varies from woman to woman.
A small disclaimer...
“Your orgasm may not seem like the idealized one described here. There are many different types: mini-orgasms; maxi-orgasms; quickie orgasms; explosive orgasms; multiple orgasms; dry, non-ejaculatory orgasms; extended orgasms, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours ; focused orgasms (experienced primarily in the genitals); irradiating orgasms, which may be felt in the pelvis and upper thighs; full-body orgasms; unconscious orgasms (the fabled ‘wet dream')... even involuntary orgasms… Sexologists generally agree that only the person experiencing an orgasm can adequately describe it” (Chalker, 58).