Our understanding of the female orgasm has been revolutionised in the last two decades - shocking, considering it's been around as long as, well, we have. It's been dismissed by male scientists as frivolous for eons, but in the early 2000s a handful of women scientists made it their mission to reveal just how dynamic and powerful a thing it really is. They did this by better understanding its core: the clitoris - and the brain.
Physically, an orgasm is a "series of rhythmic contractions in the pelvic muscles that send waves of pleasure throughout the body," explains Durban-based sex educator, Lisa Welsh. When you feel sexually aroused, a rush of blood is sent to the clitoris and vulva - and after an orgasm, contractions redistribute the blood again. To make sense of female pleasure, it's crucial to understand something scientists only learnt in 2005: the clitoris is so much larger and more sensitive than we thought. In truth, only 10% of the clitoris is visible; the other 90% of nerves and blood vessels extend about 9cm into the pelvis - and stimulation of this entire area accounts for both the vaginal orgasm and mythologised "G-spot". Australian urologist Helen O'Connell also proved that the clitoris has two to three times more nerve endings than the penis. So, with such abundant reach and sensation, why is the female orgasm still so elusive for so many women (and even more men)?
WHEN BODY MEETS BRAIN
There are so many "pleasure peaks" during sex or arousal that it can be difficult to know exactly when an orgasm starts and ends, explains neuroscientist Dr Nicole Pause in The Guardian. Her research shows that women's interpretation of their orgasm doesn't always line up with when they are having the contractions, showing that orgasm is as much in the mind as it is in the body.
So what's going on up there?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
5 MINUTES WITH VIWO KULATI SINGER SONGWRITER
You know you've made it in life when one of your career highlights is having worked as a back-up vocalist for the acclaimed Zonke Dikana.
What's on?
From lifestyle to laughs, there's plenty to see and do this month.
VISAfree visits
Travel can be a bit expensive, especially when all the costs start to add up. Consider these countries to help lessen the price tag and increase your shopping budget.
Self love CLUB
Self-care can mean a number of things. Here's how to get fluent in your own self-love language.
Unleash your CREATIVI
Through creative expression, we can better understand ourselves. Making time for art is not just a way for you to unleash your imagination, but to soothe your mind.
PUT YOUR MONEY ON THE WALL
Investing in art isn't just for the elite. We show you how to start your own stellar collection, one masterpiece at a time.
IS A 4-DAY WEEK POSSIBLE?
Working 300 hours a week doesn't necessarily mean success and more productivity. Perhaps we need to take a 'less is more' approach...
Sting like Bee
Paula Lakay, or Ms Paula Bee as she's known on the socials, turned her love of content creation into a career, expressing her creativity in more ways than one.
More than a WOMAN
While playing Modern Family's beloved character Gloria, Sofía Vergara has been building her own business empire and sharpening her skills to play her dream role. And if you're surprised, then she thinks that's on you.
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.
