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?
この記事は Balanced Life の August 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Balanced Life の August 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
CHESLIN KOLBE
Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe has won two Rugby World Cups while proving his critics wrong, but he also wants to be remembered for making an impact off the field.
She's all that
The world often tries to put people in a box, but Mecayla Maseka considers herself more than 'just a girl'.
In HER SHOES
With about 20 years of experience in retail, no day is every quite the same for Thateng Shimange, the real MD of TFG Menswear - and she loves every bit of it.
TAKING THE REINS
Who says nice girls can't give orders? Quit waiting for permission to be brazen in the bedroom - demureness be damned.
The 5 of Wealth
In The 5 Types of Wealth, entrepreneur Sahil Bloom offers a transformative guide filled with practical steps and actionable insights to help redesign your life. Read this extract to get started.
HELLO , HORM ONES
We outline some of the most important chemical messengers in your body and how to keep them functioning happily.
The Balancing ACT
We all hold both the feminine and the masculine within us. Taking time to reflect on which dominant energies you embody and how you can tap into their opposites - can be a powerful way to cultivate balance between the two.
A TAN FOR EVERY TONE
Whether you're heading to brunch with friends or enjoying a romantic date night, a sun-kissed glow can transform your look. Thankfully, you don't need to spend hours under the sun – or risk harmful UV exposure – to achieve that radiant complexion. Spray-tanning provides a simple and safe alternative, offering a beautiful tan for every skin tone. Read on to discover how this versatile beauty treatment can help you shine, no matter your skin type.
ROUSHANNA GRAY
Veld and Sea is a multisensory experience curated by the force that is Roushanna Gray.
Eat, Pray Love
Dreaming of a holiday that helps you disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with your inner self? e've listed a few wellness retreats to help you escape and reset.
