Orgasm: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Orgasm triggers sexual satisfaction in many people. It can be achieved in different ways. However, certain difficulties exist in both women and men, which delay or prevent the onset of orgasm.

What is orgasm?

Formerly also referred to as climax, orgasm represents the climax of pleasure in both men and women. Formerly also called climax, the orgasm represents the climax of pleasure in man and woman. It leads to a mentally and physically relaxed state, which is perceived as satisfaction. The orgasm itself is an intense sensation that provides a release of tension and sexual arousal. The name “orgasm” is part of the Greek language and means “passion” or “to demand something fiercely”. While men can often have only one orgasm during sexual intercourse, women can experience multiple orgasms. Often, the path to female orgasm takes a longer time. In return, this can last up to one minute. How the orgasm is felt depends on various factors. Normally, the sensation varies from time to time. Orgasmic disturbances affect young women in particular on the female side. Older women, on the other hand, learn in their sexual development in which way they can experience an orgasm. When it comes to orgasm, there are sometimes significant differences between women and men. For women in particular, the sexual climax is an interplay of psychological and physical factors. Men, on the other hand, describe that their sexual desire is accompanied by a lower psychological component. In general, climax occurs due to muscle contractions. These cannot be controlled, but are involuntary.

Function and task

Orgasm can occur in various ways: during masturbation, sexual intercourse, or other sexual practices. However, most women are unable to reach orgasm through penetration alone. A distinction can be made here between vaginal and clitoral orgasm. The vaginal climax is perceived by most women as more intense and fulfilling. In the meantime, however, scientists have discovered that, strictly speaking, the vaginal orgasm is also a clitoral one, because the tissue of the clitoris is more widespread than initially assumed and can also be stimulated by penetration in some women. The female as well as male orgasm can be divided into different phases. First comes the arousal phase. This arises from sensory perceptions, physical or visual stimuli, such as erotic images, dreams, stories, gentle touch or stimulation of erogenous zones. The arousal phase may last a few minutes or extend over hours. Physically, there is an acceleration of the pulse, blood pressure rises. In the further course, the labia and clitoris swell in the woman, and lubrication, the increased production of fluid in the vagina, begins. In the man, more blood is directed into the penis, increasing its thickness and length. The moisture in the vagina and the male erection allow penetration to be smooth and painless. The plateau phase follows, in which the arousal of both partners continues to increase. Control over the body decreases, while pulse, blood pressure and breathing continue to accelerate. During the orgasm phase, consciousness changes, which is perceived by numerous people as a feeling of flying or a kind of emotional outburst. Breathing and heart rate take on their highest levels, and the entire musculature tenses. In women, orgasm results from the rhythmic contraction of the muscles of the vagina, pelvic floor, and uterus. The lower part of the vagina contracts, which can also be seen externally. In men, on the other hand, orgasm is characterized by ejaculation and contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Biologically, the orgasm serves to stimulate reproduction. In addition, it manages to relieve existing stress and induce relaxation. Many people can fall asleep more easily after the satisfaction of their sexuality.

Diseases and ailments

Different orgasm disorders exist, which can be both physical and psychological.Orgasmic disorder is understood as the occurrence of too early, too late or the absence of climax. The type of orgasm disorder is often different for women and men. About one in four men in industrialized countries suffers from premature orgasm. The climax is reached shortly after penetration, which means that sex is not always perceived as satisfying. In women, on the other hand, the path to climax can be delayed. Despite great sexual desire and physical stimulation, in some cases no orgasm sets in. Completely absent orgasms are called anorgasmia. Stress, pressure, fatigue, illness, alcohol or other drugs can cause orgasmic disturbances. However, psychological factors can also play a decisive role. Just as the psyche helps arousal, it can also hinder or prevent climax. In most cases, fear of losing control is such an obstacle. However, the point at which a lack of orgasm is perceived as a disturbance depends on individual circumstances. Women in particular often find sex satisfying even if they have not reached orgasm. Men and women are often so influenced by cliché images from society that there is a pressure to achieve climax during sex. Yet this does not represent the most important point during sex for all people.