Orgasms are a fascinating and complex aspect of human sexuality. Not only do they provide physical pleasure, but they also have a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. While many people believe they know everything there is to know about orgasms, there are still many little-known facts that are scientifically proven. From relieving pain to improving cardiovascular health, the effects of orgasms on the body and mind are far-reaching and varied. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known facts about orgasms that have been scientifically proven to be true.

It’s not naturally harder for women to orgasm

Contrary to popular belief, orgasm for people with vulvas is not as elusive as it is often portrayed. In fact, studies show that the majority of women are able to orgasm easily during masturbation. However, it is more common for women to report difficulty achieving orgasm than it is for men. This is not a biological issue but rather a result of societal norms and a lack of education and information.

Historically, sexual practices and norms were centered around male pleasure, which is why certain sexual acts such as vaginal intercourse are still often considered as the primary or only form of sex, despite the fact that it does not provide the necessary stimulation for most people with vulvas to achieve orgasm. Additionally, other sexual acts that are more effective in providing pleasure for people with vulvas, such as oral sex and clitoral stimulation, are still often viewed as “foreplay” rather than the main event. This is a result of the cultural framing of sex which was exclusively around male pleasure.

Just learning about the orgasm gap makes women more likely to have them

A recent study, published in the journal Sex Education, has found that education on sex can positively impact women’s sexual experiences. The study surveyed women before and after taking a class about sex. The participants were divided into two groups, one group took a general course about human sexuality from an anthropological perspective, while the other group took a course specifically focused on the orgasm gap. The orgasm gap refers to the fact that 95% of straight men orgasm every time they have sex, compared to 65% of straight women (with some studies showing the gap to be even wider). The study found that the women who took the course specifically focused on the orgasm gap reported having more and better orgasms after completing the class.

Women orgasm in their sleep, too

A phenomenon known as nocturnal emission, or “wet dreams,” is commonly associated with boys, but research has shown that women also experience this phenomenon. In 1953, sex researcher Alfred Kinsey found that 37% of women had experienced an orgasm from a dream by the age of 45. More recent research has shown that women are increasingly experiencing sexual dreams. A study published in the journal Psychology & Sexuality this year found that more than one in five of women’s remembered dreams were of an erotic nature.

Not all orgasms are sexual in nature

It is reported that individuals can experience orgasm from non-sexual stimuli, such as turbulence during a flight, brushing teeth, stimulation of the ankle, childbirth, breastfeeding, listening to specific types of music and various other unexpected triggers. These experiences are known as non-genital or “non-conventional” orgasms.

One recent study on the variability of orgasms suggests that orgasm should not be limited to the realm of sexual or genital stimulation. Instead, researchers propose that orgasm is a neuropsychological process that can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, including visual, auditory, taste, texture, imagination, and even pain and its relief. The study suggests that orgasm should be understood as a variably experienced neuropsychological process that can be associated with diverse forms of stimulation.

Nearly half of men married to a woman can’t tell when she’s had an orgasm

A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who sleep with women may have difficulty in recognizing when their partner has had an orgasm. The study surveyed over 1,600 married heterosexual couples about their sexual experiences, and found that 43% of the husbands misperceived how frequently their wife had an orgasm, thinking it was more frequent than what the wives reported. This suggests that men may not be as attuned to their partner’s orgasm as they should be.

One reason for the difficulty in recognizing a female orgasm is that there is often no physical evidence, unlike in males where ejaculation is a clear indication of orgasm. As the website of Planned Parenthood explains, the only way to know for sure if a woman has had an orgasm is to ask her directly. This is because there is no observable or outward signs of orgasm for people with vulvas.

Stimulating the cervix can also trigger orgasms

The cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina, can be a highly sensitive area for some people and can be a source of pleasure. This type of orgasm is referred to as a cervical orgasm.

According to Morse, cervical orgasms can be achieved when a woman is highly aroused. If a woman is not sufficiently aroused, attempting cervical stimulation can be painful. Cervical orgasms have a different sensation compared to orgasms stemming from clitoral stimulation as they originate from different nerve systems. They may require more time and practice, and can only be achieved through use of a dildo, vibrator, or a penis. Many women describe cervical orgasms as having a more full-bodied sensation.

Orgasms are a complex and fascinating aspect of human sexuality. They not only provide physical pleasure but also have a wide range of physical and psychological benefits. From relieving pain to improving cardiovascular health, the effects of orgasms on the body and mind are far-reaching and varied. The facts discussed in this article are just a glimpse of the many little-known facts about orgasms that have been scientifically proven to be true. It’s important to remember that every person’s experience with orgasm is unique, and it’s always good to educate ourselves and be open-minded about different ways of achieving and experiencing pleasure. Understanding more about the science behind orgasms can also help to break down taboos and misconceptions, leading to more positive and healthy sexual experiences for everyone.