The orgasm is considered the climax of sexual arousal. Orgasms consist of muscle contractions often described as a flooding, flushing, and/or throbbing sensation. Other physical aspects of orgasm include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and/or breathing. In addition to the sensory feelings, there tend to be emotional feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and/or ecstasy. There can also be an ejaculation component to orgasm, but not always. According to William Masters and Virginia Johnson, pioneers in sex research, male ejaculation is the second stage of the orgasm phase in their sexual response cycle, but men can also have dry orgasms (i.e. no ejaculation).
Although limited research has been done regarding female ejaculation, some indications suggest that women can ejaculate (a.k.a. squirt) when the Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) is stimulated, but this varies depending on the woman’s physiology. Orgasm can also be experienced through mental or physical stimulation. This can be achieved through partnered or solo sex activities.
Stay tuned for next week’s column on gender differences in orgasms.
Image by Alora Griffiths/The Ontarion