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?
Bu hikaye Balanced Life dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Balanced Life dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.
Bye-bye BFF
We all age at the same rate, but we don't all grow up at a matching pace. So, what do you do if you feel like you're outgrowing your friends?
The science of SLUMBER
According to world-renowned sleep expert and neuroscientist Dr Matthew Walker, sleep is our best superpower. Here's why...
Money mindset MATTERS
Looking for less stress and more progress when it comes to reaching your #moneygoals? Here are five positive money habits to cultivate on your journey to financial freedom.
FUTURE PROOF - YOUR CAREER
\"Soft skills\" are more crucial to your career than you may think. We look at some of the most important professional skills you can attain to safeguard your working future...
HEAR THEM Roar
Through resilience and determination, these three extraordinary South African women have emerged as trailblazers. Here's how Candice Chirwa, Mushfiqoh Samodien and Julia Stuart make the impossible possible and the world a better place.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Pretty Yende has performed in the world's grandest opera theatres. She'll tick off even more this year, but she's driven not by a bucket list but by a burning curiosity to see how far she can challenge her voice and herself.
5 MINUTES WITH LEBOHANG MASANGO
SOCIAL ANTIIROPOLOGIST AND AUTITOR
Shall we DANCE?
I can confirm: It does take two to tango.
Empowerment UNLOCKED
Working women face a unique set of challenges both globally and here in South Africa. We find out what you can do to get fit for financial success.