Physiological Pleasure: The Physiology of Female Orgasm

What exactly is the physiology of the female orgasm? What happens to the body when it is climaxing? Essentially, the heartbeat quickens causing a rush of blood to the surface of the skin, more specifically to the genital area, and a series of muscle contractions makes up that pleasurable orgasm!

Stage 1 The first stage is excitement. It occurs when the body undergoes changes similar to those caused by stress (stress in this case being a positive thing!). The heart and respiration rates quicken and blood pressure goes up. The swells, and the begins to lubricate itself. The body also experiences vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) which, when coupled with an increasing heart rate, causes the skin to flush. Breasts may swell and the nipples can become hard and erect. The entire excitement process can happen within a matter of seconds from the onset of sexual stimulation.

Stage 2 The second stage is called the plateau. As the body continues to experience the aforementioned changes, further stimulation will cause the inner lips of the vagina (the minora) to darken due to the increased blood flow to the genital area. By the end of this stage, the pulse and respiration rates will have peaked, pushing the body into the third stage.

Stage 3 The third stage is the actual orgasm when the clitoris retracts under the , and the vagina tightens and lengthens. Vaginal and anal muscles spasm rhythmically, causing “wavelike contractions that move from the top of the to the ” . Other changes related to the female orgasm include muscle contractions throughout the body, more notably in the neck, pelvis, arms and legs.

Stage 4 The fourth and final stage of the physiology of orgasm is often referred to as the resolution stage. The excess blood will drain from the genital area and the clitoris becomes once again its normal size. The body returns to its previous, non-stimulated state.

Types of Female Orgasms

The male orgasm is pretty straightforward – stimulation, arousal, and orgasm. In any position.

But as usual, the woman is a little more difficult to figure out. Women have a wide array of erogenous zones, the two most popular being the vagina and the clitoris.

Here’s a little introduction to each of these pleasure zones:

CLITORIS:

· Areas above, to the sides, and below the clitoris are highly sensitive · Its only physical function is to provide sexual pleasure · Most women claim that the clitoral orgasm is the most intense · In his book Sexual Behavior on the Human Female (1953), Charles Kinsey found that out of 2700 American women, half received orgasm through clitoral stimulation

VAGINAL:

· Outer third of the vagina is the most sensitive · Many women claim that it is more difficult to achieve a vaginal orgasm than a clitoral one. · Freud labeled this type of orgasm as the “mature” type, whereas the clitoral orgasm was an “immature” type of sexual experience (A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis, 1916)

It is important to note, however, that one type of orgasm is not better than the other – they are simply two different ways of experiencing pleasure.

Every woman has her own preference over which orgasm provides the best pleasure.

Men who are striving to please their girlfriends or wives in bed should communicate with their partners to discover: a) which is easiest for her to achieve b) which one she prefers in terms of physical pleasure

The man’s goal should be to aim at helping her achieve her well-deserved seconds of complete and utter pleasure.

Sexual Response Cycle

The best place to begin when discussing female orgasm is with the sexual response cycle.

As men know, orgasm doesn’t just “happen”, it must be achieved.

Sex therapists, William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson identified four phases within the sexual response cycle. These phases are part of a continuous process - there is no beginning and no end to this cyclical pattern.

Here is a detailed explanation of each phase:

1. Excitement

· Begins with physical and/or psychological stimulation (from kissing to fantasizing) · Blood rushes to the genitals and other parts of the body, causing enlarged breasts, swollen labia, expanded clitoris, elevated uterus, and lubricated vagina · Heart rate and blood pressure increase · Muscles are tense

2. Plateau

· Occurs with increased stimulation · Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and muscle tension continue to rise · Upper two-thirds of vagina expands · Uterus elevates to allow easier passage of sperm into fallopian tubes · Bartholin’s glands secrete a small amount of fluid in the vaginal opening

3. Orgasmic

· Experience powerful contractions of the uterine, vaginal, anal, and lower abdominal muscles (about 5 to 12 synchronized contractions occur one second apart) · Blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rates reach peak · Loss of voluntary muscle tone

4. Resolution

· Blood in genitals begins to drain · Uterus returns to normal position · Breasts decrease in size · Heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure decrease

So, it starts with a simple kiss and ends in a few seconds of unspeakable pleasure…

Climax Tidbits

In learning all there is to know about the female orgasm, one must be made aware of the large, important facts as well as the tiny, random ones.

Here are some of the most interesting facts about female sexuality…

· “Clitoris” derives from the Greek word meaning “little hill”. · The clitoris extends nine centimetres back into the body and high into the groin. · The clitoris is the only sexual organ without a known reproductive function. · Human females are the only species to have a forward-tilting uterus that facilitates face-to-face intercourse. · About 26% of women have consistent difficulties in reaching orgasm, compared to only 2.5% of men. · 46% of anorgasmic women blame the condition on their own negative self-image. · According to a sample of 15, 000 women, only 9% said that they are assured to reach orgasm every time they have sex. · Women who climax between one minute before and 45 minutes after their partner's ejaculation retain 70 to 80% of his sperm. Women who orgasm more than one minute before their partner retain less than 50% of his sperm. · Both men and women are most likely to experience their first orgasm during masturbation. · A female orgasm is a powerful painkiller because it releases endorphins, therefore a headache is not an excuse for not having sex! · Sociologist Michel Bozon concluded that vaginal orgasms are more difficult to obtain at the beginning of a relationship, easier after five to ten years, and again more difficult in couples that last over 15 years. · The opportunity for orgasm is enhanced if the woman makes love on the 14th day of her menstrual cycle – this is when the female sex drive is at its highest.

History of the Female Orgasm

The female orgasm has had a love/hate relationship with society over the past centuries…

Female sexuality has been a taboo subject throughout history, and in many parts of the world it still is.

And like everything else, the female orgasm has a story…

It’s a tale of denial, hatred, and passion…

So, sit down, relax, and learn a little more about the evolution of the female orgasm.

· Long ago, in the 4th century B.C., the great Hippocrates believed that the fetus was a result of female pleasure. Therefore, in order to procreate a woman must always be kept sexually satisfied. · In the same century however, the nemesis of the female orgasm, Aristotle, disagreed with Hippocrates. He suggested that only the man’s semen was fertile, and that a woman had no role in the procreative process. So, female sexual pleasure was quickly looked down upon. · This mentality continued well into the Middle Ages. Throughout these centuries the Church advocated the repression of female sexuality. It promoted chastity, abstinence, female isolation. · By the 18th century the female condition was no better, but it was believed that the female orgasm was necessary for reproduction. Yet, women were still encouraged to repress their sexual desires, and simply fulfill the needs of their husbands. · One horrible day in the 19th century, female pleasure was banned, and the husband was forewarned never to waken his wife’s sexual desires. · During this time, manuals on the subject were written for young brides experiencing sex for the first time. Such manuals instructed that a young lady should “lie perfectly still and never under any circumstances grunt or groan while the act is in progress” (From “The Madison Institute Newsletter”, Fall 1894). · Then one day, in the years following the Second World War (1945), something happened – female sexuality was slowly starting to make its way back into society… · The Sexual Revolution of the 1960’s rode in like a knight in shining armor! Female sexual freedom was finally being recognized with the advent of the Birth Control Pill, contraception, and abortion. · Today, women in Western civilization have reclaimed their bodies! They are learning to love and appreciate their sexuality, and men are also taking interest in learning how to pleasure their female partners.

And they all lived happily ever after…

ABC’s of the G-Spot

The G-Spot confuses many people.

Just like an urban legend, nobody knows whether to believe in it or not.

The thought that women have this “magical button” that provides sensational amounts of pleasure sounds a little too good to be true – especially from a man’s perspective.

Well, men, be forewarned that the G-Spot is no myth! This legend is for real…

The G-Spot is a term named after the German doctor who discovered the erogenous zone, Ernst Grafenberg.

Where is it?

The G-Spot is a small mass of tissue that is located 2 inches from the vaginal opening. It is on the anterior of the vaginal wall, and it enlarges during stimulation.

How does it work?

The G-Spot is directly connected to the orgasm center in the brain. So, when it is stimulated and orgasm occurs, the female sexual response is highly intense. This erogenous zone can only be felt when the female is aroused – the area then swells with blood and becomes roughed and raised. Once aroused, intense sexual pleasure ensues.

How do you make it work?

The G-Spot only responds to pressure, not to touch, so not just any position will do. This is why so many women find it difficult to find their own G-Spots.

Many women find that being on top or in a sitting position during intercourse is the best arrangement for stimulating the G-Spot.

So, now that you know all there is about the famous G-Spot, take these tips and show your partner the time of her life!

Tricks of the Trade

Think back to the cheesiest love scene you’ve ever seen in a movie…

Got one?

Now, go ahead and reenact it!

It’s no stereotype that women like romance, especially when that romantic moment will be leading to sex.

While men are more visually stimulated, women are emotionally stimulated. So, this means that many women need to feel important and appreciated before they can engage in any type of satisfying sexual experience.

And this is where romance fits in.

Here are some of the things you can do to provide your girlfriend or wife with a stress-free evening of romance and sexual satisfaction:

1. Setting the atmosphere:

· dim the lights · light some candles and incense · drape the bed in silk sheets · turn on some romantic music

2. Setting the Mood:

· give a full body massage · prepare a bubble bath · set up a romantic, candlelit dinner · buy her some new lingerie · introduce a new toy or bedroom board game to get things started

If a woman is not relaxed or comfortable she will not give the sexual encounter her all – which will undoubtedly end up disappointing the both of you.

Here are some interesting statistics…

When a woman has difficulty achieving orgasm these are the highest reported causes:

· 21% - partner’s lack of response · 28% - she wasn’t in the mood · 27% - she was too stressed · 24% - there was a lack of foreplay

So, never forget about foreplay, set the atmosphere, and start massaging!

Erotic Massage

One of the secrets to female orgasm is relaxation.

If a woman is stressed, tired, or uncomfortable during sex, she will never have an orgasm. Make a woman feel calm, relaxed, and loved, and her chances of experiencing orgasm greatly increase.

Exactly how do you achieve this? Well, most women love to be pampered, so why not surprise her with an erotic massage? This is romantic way to ensure that your partner gets the most pleasure possible from your sexual encounter.

So, light some candles, turn on some mood music, and apply the art of the erotic massage…

What is an Erotic Massage?

An erotic massage is much different from your regular back massage. During an erotic massage the subject is naked, making it easier for the massager to access all the right areas that will elicit sexual pleasure.

Erotic massage is usually used as a form of foreplay to encourage arousal and help with orgasm. But this form of massage may also be used as a way to help your female partner have an orgasm without intercourse.

How to Give an Erotic Massage

STEP 1: Set the mood. Dim the lights, light some candles, maybe even pour some wine. Make the room as romantic and stress-free as possible.

STEP 2: Have your partner lie naked, face first, on a massage table or bed.

STEP 3: With heated oil, massage her back, legs, feet, and arms. Use long, steady strokes to relax your partner. Don’t use too much force while massaging. Massage with the weight of your body rather than with the weight of your hands.

STEP 4: Have your partner lie on her back.

STEP 5: Maintain eye contact with your partner. This will help enhance her feelings of security and calmness throughout the massage.

STEP 6: With more heated oil, massage her chest, arms, and hands.

STEP 7: Glide down to her legs and inner thighs. It is time to focus on her genitals with periodic sweeps up and down the body to introduce different sensations.

STEP 8: Massage her clitoris. You can start by slowly and softly going around it with a lubricated finger. It is always a good ides to ask your partner what method of massage feels best for her.

STEP 9: Massage her G-Spot. If you want to tease her most sensitive areas, then proceed to the G- spot (the area about 2 inches up in the forward wall of the vagina.) Using one or two lubricated fingers, make rhythmic gestures inside the vagina, or find the spot and rub it in a circular fashion.

At this point you and your partner can decide whether to proceed with intercourse, or whether to continue with the erotic massage and try to achieve orgasm without intercourse.

The Relationship

Before starting the full body massage or getting into an orgasm- friendly position, you have to stop and think about your relationship.

Great sex is the product of a loving and trusting relationship. You must have one before you can have the other.

Most women will not free their inhibitions for a night of wild passion if they do not feel safe and secure within their relationships. In other words, if your partner is having trouble achieving orgasm, then perhaps it is the relationship that is the problem – not the positioning.

Here are some of the essential elements for cultivating any healthy relationship:

· It may sound cliché but communication is the key to any loving, long-lasting relationship. Communication is not only about talking, but about listening as well.

Take turns recapping the events of your day, share an inside joke, let your partner know what’s on your mind… These are all techniques to use in keeping the lines of communication open. Sharing intimate secrets and personal thoughts creates a level of closeness that is carried through into the bedroom.

The couple will be more willing to experiment, and to take the time to please one another.

· Communication leads to deeper trust. Without this important element, the relationship is nonexistent.

Trust is achieved over time. Individuals must prove themselves to be trustworthy, and if that trust is ever lost it is difficult to earn back.

If your partner has complete faith in you and your relationship, she will be more open to freeing her inhibitions in the bedroom. Distrust, on the other hand, will cause a woman to hold herself back in the bedroom.

· Lovers should also be friends. Cultivating a friendship above all else is truly a necessary part of any relationship.

Solid friendships include levels of honesty, laughter, respect, compromise, and forgiveness.

Your mutual love and respect for one another will naturally encourage you to strive towards excellence in bed. You’ll want to help your girlfriend or wife have a positive sexual experience. Helping her achieve orgasm will seem like a pleasure instead of a chore.

Therefore, besides being romantic and finding the right position, the secret to female orgasm lies within the relationship itself. You and your partner must communicate, have trust, and above all be friends.

Sex Games

Spice up your love life with sexual board games!

Everyone knows of two people who just seem so in love. And not only in love, but they can’t take their hands off each other. The topic of how to keep your love alive is a popular one. Many debates have erupted over whether or not your sex life has to die simply because you’ve been together too long! The truth is that there are very few long-term couples who have not had a problem with keeping the ol’ flame alive. Some work harder at it than others. What is their secret? Maybe it’s sexual board games!

Sex games are fun and can definitely add spice to your sex life. You do not have to be an expert; you just need to be a little adventurous. There are an endless number of sex games on the market that can be enjoyed privately with your partner, or with a group of people. Your choice simply depends on what you are comfortable with.

What are these games and how do you play them? Some popular group games involve a board, dice and willing participants. Players roll the dice in turn and move to the appropriate square on the board. Each square has a different instruction, and no matter which square you land on, you must obey the instructions! Couple sex games are those whereby you interact only with your partner. However, the best thing about sex games is that the rules are few, but the possibilities are endless.

You can buy sex board games but if you’re the creative type, you can easily create your own. Incorporate dancing, massages, eating or drinking into your sex life- anything that is out of the ordinary for you. Once you start to brainstorm, you’ll be surprised at what you can come up with. Have fun!

Diagram of Where to Pleasure Her

reproductive system

corpus (hemorrhagicum, luteum, albicans) • Theca folliculi (externa, interna) • Follicles/ () • Corona radiata • • Membrana granulosa (Granulosa cells)

Ovaries/ Germinal epithelium • Tunica albuginea • cortex (, Stroma) • Adnexa Medulla

Fallopian tubes Isthmus • Ampulla • Infundibulum • Fimbria

Broad (components: , , contents: Round of uterus, Proper of ) • Suspensory of ovary • Cardinal

corpus/body (Cavity of the body, Fundus)

Uterus cervix/neck (External orifice, Canal of the cervix, Internal orifice)

layers (, , ) •

vestibular glands/ducts (Bartholin's glands/Bartholin's ducts, Skene's glands/Skene's ducts) • Vagina Fossa of vestibule of vagina • • • Orifice

Vulva/ commissures (Anterior • Posterior) • Frenulum labiorum pudendi • • Cleft of Labium venus • • • interlabial sulci

Clitoris Vestibular bulbs • Clitoral crura • Corpus cavernosa • Clitoral glans (Frenulum, Hood)

Breast Mammary glands • Nipple • Areola • Lactiferous duct • Cooper's ligaments

Vestiges Wolffian (Gartner's duct, , Paroöphoron) •

Other G-spot • Urethral sponge • Perineal sponge