Orgasm

Orgasm comes from the Greek word organ, which means to be bursting with lust and desire, to demand fiercely or to glow with lust. The Greek word orgasmós, on the other hand, means violent arousal. It refers to a pleasurable climax of sexual arousal followed by a feeling of very pleasant relaxation. Orgasms can be triggered not only by instincts but also by various factors such as personal perception or cultural aspects. The physical and social attractiveness of the sex partner, his, or her smell, the environment, and atmosphere, sexual fantasies as well as the bond and love for each other play a significant role.

Due to physical reflexes, the genital area changes during orgasm: Sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons (nerve cells), which come from the spinal cord, are excited and lead to the tensing of most of our muscles in the body. Blood circulation is significantly increased, and both the pulse and the breathing rate increase. Mild clouding of consciousness or loss of consciousness can also occur during orgasm.

In men, orgasms are usually accompanied by stiffening of the member (erection) and ejaculations (ejaculation). During this process, the epididymis as well as the prostate and the vas deferens contract. Meanwhile, the connection between the urethra and the bladder are reflexively closed. After an orgasm, men cannot have any further orgasms for a certain period of time. This period, called the refractory period, can vary greatly from man to man and can last only a few minutes or even a few days.  

This is quite different for women: in the plateau phase, women can certainly experience several orgasms in a row. These are accompanied by rhythmic contractions of the vaginal muscles, more precisely the so-called “orgasmic cuff” and the outer third of the uterine muscles. In addition, two thirds of the inner vagina and the vaginal vault behind it dilate. Together with the uterine orifice, they thus form a kind of tent, hence also called the “tent phenomenon”. First, this tent absorbs the ejaculated (sperm). After about three to five minutes after a climax, this phenomenon disappears and the mouth of the uterus can immerse itself in the male semen. Some women also secrete a fluid during orgasm, but it is clear. Science suspects that fertilization of the female egg is more likely through orgasms than without climax because of the tent phenomenon and uterine contractions.

Orgasms also trigger other reactions in the body that are usually perceived as very pleasant. Deep affection, stress relief, satisfaction, happiness and being overwhelmed are just a few of them. The intensity of orgasms can vary greatly and is influenced by mood, how we feel about our sexual partner, attitude, and several other factors. Some neurotransmitters directly influence the sensitivity of the synapses when they are released. This can intensify the experience of orgasm. The sex hormones (androgen, oestrogen) that are increasingly released during climax can be felt latent in the body for days. This not only gives you a good feeling, it also increases your desire for further sexual activities and orgasms.

Sexual climaxes also have some health benefits. For both men and women, they strengthen the immune system and ensure deep relaxation and restful sleep. However, some positive effects are more pronounced in women. There are differences, for example, in terms of fitness. Female fitness improves due to the stronger testosterone release during orgasm. Men, on the other hand, tend to be less fit immediately after sex. However, both effects only last for a short time.