10 Interesting Facts about the Female Orgasm
10 Interesting Facts about the Female Orgasm
The female orgasm is extraordinary. There are so many different ways to experience one and they feel pretty damn good. But did you know that orgasms also have health benefits and can actually physically change your body?
Here are our top 10 favorite facts about female orgasms:
1. Orgasms can help headaches
According to research published by the International Headache Society, 60% of migraine sufferers experienced moderate or complete relief after an orgasm. [1]
2. Mind over matter
With so many things to think about each day, from work through to family life, it’s easy to find ourselves distracted in the bedroom.
But, according to research published in the Journal of Sexual Research, women’s ability to orgasm increased by 30% after taking part in a mindfulness program.[2] Meditation has also been shown to help women reach orgasm.[3]
3. Orgasms take time
The average woman needs 20 minutes of stimulation to reach climax, whereas men typically require between 2 – 10 minutes[4]. It’s worth noting, however, that the time it takes to reach orgasm can vary significantly from person to person.
4. A natural painkiller
As well as helping to shift migraines, female orgasms can also help to increase your pain tolerance. When we orgasm, the body releases oxytocin and other mood-boosting endorphins, which help to increase the tolerance of pain.
Research has shown that during orgasm, a women’s pain threshold can increase by up to 75%, while their pain detection threshold can increase by 107%. [5]
5. Orgasms can shut down part of your brain
A lot happens in your body during orgasm, especially in the brain. It has been shown that when you reach orgasm, the area behind your left eye, known as the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, shuts down.[2] This is why it’s hard to focus on anything else when you’re enjoying the moment.
6. Increased sense of smell
During orgasm, the hormone prolactin is released [2]. This stimulates the brain to produce more neurons in the olfactory bulb, where our sense of smell is controlled.
7. Not all orgasms are equal
Not all orgasms feel the same. Why? The genitals are connected to several different pairs of nerves, and stimulating different combinations of nerves produces different sensations.
A blended orgasm occurs when multiple parts of the genital area are stimulated at the same time. For example, the clitoris is connected to the pudendal nerves, the vagina is connected to the pelvic nerves, and the cervix is connected to the hypo gastric, pelvic, and vagus nerves[3]. When they are stimulated together, it can create a stronger, blended orgasm.
8. Orgasms make us more talkative
According to a study carried out at the University of Connecticut, when oxytocin is released during an orgasm, our sense of bonding is increased[4]. This makes us want to share with our partners and, as a result, we become more talkative. This can affect both men and women.
9. Orgasms improve with age
According to research, 61% of women aged 18 to 24 experienced orgasm the last time they had sex, compared to 65% of women in their 3-s and 70% of women in their 40s and 50s[5] It is thought that this is because they have more experience and confidence in the bedroom, and so aren’t afraid to express their physical and emotional needs. What’s more, women can achieve orgasm well past the age of 90.
10. Lube can make it easier to orgasm
If you’re struggling to reach orgasm, using lube might help. According to research undertaken by the Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, nearly 50% of men and women said that using lube made it easier to have an orgasm[6].
Female Orgasm FAQs
What does a female orgasm feel like?
Every woman experiences an orgasm in her own way and there is also more than one type of female orgasm. In fact, some women won’t even know they’ve experienced an orgasm. However, the vast majority of orgasms will be accompanied by an intense feeling of pleasure.
How long does a female orgasm last?
The female orgasm, on average, lasts around 13-51 seconds. This is longer than the typical male orgasm, which lasts for 6 seconds on average. [1]
What happens during a female orgasm?
During a female orgasm, the body goes through several changes. Your heart might beat faster, and your breathing may become heavier.
If you experience a vaginal or clitoral orgasm, the vagina, uterus, and anus contract rapidly, 3-15 times for 0.8 seconds at a time[2]. Some women ejaculate during their orgasm. When this happens, a clear fluid leaves the Skene’s glands, located close to the urethra[3].
How does a female orgasm work?
As you approach orgasm, your heart rate increases, and your genitals swell with blood. You will start to build a significant amount of muscle tension throughout your body. Once you reach orgasm, the muscles in your vagina, anus, and uterus involuntarily contract and then relax, while your brain releases feel-good hormones and chemicals including dopamine and oxytocin. [4]
How many calories does a female orgasm burn?
A female orgasm can burn between 60 to 100 calories, that’s on top of the calories burnt during sex[5].
How many times can a female orgasm?
According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, most women can achieve multiple orgasms[6].In fact, a study of 800 female college graduates found that approximately 43% reported having had multiple orgasms[1]. However, the actual number of orgasms varies from person to person.
Are male and female orgasms the same?
In general, orgasms feel similar for men and women. However, there are several key differences, including the average length of orgasms, and how long it takes to reach climax.
Make it easier to orgasm with lube
Why not try and make it easier to orgasm by trying lube? If you take one thing away, just remember to make sure that when using a lube, you consider the options and find the best one for you. Shop our full range here.
References
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0333102413476374
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27712106/
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health-pictures/wow-worthy-orgasm-facts.aspx
- https://www.factretriever.com/orgasm-fact
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4000685
- https://www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-orgasm
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16095799/
- https://www.factretriever.com/orgasm-facts
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275795#the_love_hormone
- https://www.womansday.com/relationships/sex-tips/a5144/10-surprising-facts-about-orgasms-111985/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19919208/female-orgasm/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-love/a19919208/female-orgasm/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232318#:~:text=The%20female%20orgasm%20typically%20lasts,if%20they%20are%20stimulated%20again
- https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/types-of-orgasms#the-stages-of-anorgasm
- https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/what-is-an-orgasm/#:~:text=What%20happens%20during%20an%20orgasm,when%20having%20a%20vaginal%20orgasm
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/what-is-an-orgasm
- https://www.factretriever.com/orgasm-facthttps://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/how-many-calories-do-you-burn-during-sex.aspx
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4000685https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-many-times-can-a-woman-come-in-a-row
