Orgasms: Your Favorite Sex Episode! | Science vs

Intro

In this episode of the “Science vs” podcast titled “Orgasms: Your Favorite Sex Episode!”, host Wendy Zukerman explores the science behind orgasms and the orgasm gap between men and women. She interviews Malika Grant, who started a blog about the sex lives of women in Africa, and delves into the brain activity during an orgasm using MRI scans. The episode also addresses societal factors and their impact on sexual experiences.

Main Takeaways

Orgasm Gap and Societal Factors

• The orgasm gap is a well-known issue, with 95% of straight men reporting almost always orgasming during sex compared to 65% of straight women.
• Making a woman orgasm is often seen as a huge accomplishment and is perceived as much harder than getting a man to orgasm.
• Society has different conversations about sex for men and women, with women often being shamed for being sexually empowered.
• Women often feel shame and guilt around sex compared to men.
• People who feel shame around sex tend to feel less satisfied with their sex life.
• The orgasm gap might exist due to social forces rather than physical differences.
• When men aren’t present, the orgasm gap closes for women.

The Brain and Orgasm

• The biggest, most powerful sex organ is the brain.
• A study conducted using MRI scans showed increased activity in areas of the brain related to emotions, reward, and pleasure during orgasm.
• The hypothalamus, a region of the brain involved in survival and mating, was particularly active during orgasm.
• Research suggests that the brain during orgasm looks similar to the brain during a seizure.
• Men and women experience similar brain activity during orgasm.

Physical Factors and Genital Differences

• Physical differences between genitals do not explain the orgasm gap.
• Blood rushes to the genitals during arousal, regardless of gender.
• The clitoris is larger than just the visible bump and wraps around the vaginal canal.
• The clitoris may be harder to stimulate than the penis due to its hidden location.
• Testosterone plays an important role in sex drive, but having enough of it is what matters, not necessarily having high levels.
• Estrogen helps with vaginal lubrication and can lead to more intense orgasms in trans women.

Other Factors Affecting Orgasms

• Being sexually assaulted can make it harder to orgasm.
• Anti-depressants can hinder orgasms.
• Racist ideas about black sexuality can affect sexual experiences.
• Understanding bedroom baggage can lead to relief and validation.
• Even with insight, racial and gender expectations can still affect the ability to enjoy sex.
• Partner communication and deep breathing can help overcome mental barriers during sex.

Summary

The Orgasm Gap and Societal Factors

The orgasm gap, where men are more likely to have orgasms than women, has been a topic of concern in the science of sex. Society plays a significant role in perpetuating this gap, with women often feeling shame and guilt around sex compared to men. Conversations about sex differ for men and women, with women often being shamed for being sexually empowered. However, when men aren’t present, the orgasm gap tends to close for women, suggesting that social forces may be responsible for the gap rather than physical differences.

The Brain and Orgasm

The brain plays a crucial role in experiencing orgasms. MRI scans have shown increased activity in areas of the brain related to emotions, reward, and pleasure during orgasm. The hypothalamus, responsible for survival and mating, is particularly active during orgasm. Interestingly, the brain during orgasm exhibits similarities to the brain during a seizure. Both men and women experience similar brain activity during orgasm, indicating that the experience is not solely gender-specific.

Physical Factors and Genital Differences

Physical differences between genitals do not explain the orgasm gap. Both men and women experience increased blood flow to the genitals during arousal. The clitoris, a complex organ, extends beyond its visible bump and wraps around the vaginal canal. Stimulating the clitoris may be more challenging than stimulating the penis due to its hidden location. Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen also play significant roles in sexual experiences, with testosterone influencing sex drive and estrogen aiding vaginal lubrication and intensifying orgasms in trans women.

Other Factors Affecting Orgasms

Several other factors can affect the ability to orgasm. Individuals who have experienced sexual assault may find it more challenging to reach orgasm. Anti-depressant medications can also hinder orgasms. Racist ideas about black sexuality can impact sexual experiences, highlighting the intersection of race and sexuality. Understanding and addressing personal baggage related to sex can lead to relief and validation. However, even with insight, societal expectations based on race and gender can still influence the ability to enjoy sex. Effective communication with partners and practicing deep breathing techniques can help overcome mental barriers during sexual encounters.

Conclusion

The orgasm gap between men and women is a complex issue influenced by societal factors, brain activity, and physical differences. While the exact mechanisms behind orgasms are still a mystery, understanding and addressing societal pressures and expectations can help bridge the gap. By prioritizing open conversations, education, and empowerment, individuals of all genders and bodies can experience orgasms in remarkable ways. It is essential to continue researching and discussing the topic to ensure everyone has fulfilling and pleasurable sexual experiences.