Show Me Your O-Face

1. Show Me Your O-Face A Look at the Evolutionary Need for Female Orgasms Kate Wilkinson November 29, 2011

2. Just a Few Facts • Approximately only 25% of women reliably climax from either vaginal or clitoral stimulation during sex with a man • Between 75-95% of women reliably climax from either vaginal or clitoral stimulation during sex with another woman • It takes the average woman between 5-25 minutes to climax • Between 48-72% of women have faked an orgasm

3. http://digitaljournal.com/img/9/0/1/2/2/1/i/4/8/1/o/ryan_orgasm.jpghttp://digitaljournal.com/img/9/0/1/2/2/1/i/4/8/1/o/ryan_orgasm.jpg

4. It’s (Maybe) All In Your Genes • New research shows that part of a woman’s ability to orgasm is in her genes • In a 2005 study, 6,000 women (both related and non-related) of different sexual orientations were surveyed on their ability to have an orgasm • In the findings, between 34-45% of the factors for orgasm proved to be genetic • Most believe, however, it is mostly a woman’s environment, comfort level, and mindset which will help her climax

5. Well, duh, it feels good… • The clitoris contains between 6,000-8,000 sensory nerve fibers • Orgasms typically last about 20 seconds, with anywhere between 3-15 contractions of the vagina, uterus, and anus • Endorphin release in the brain increases almost 200% between initial sexual arousal and orgasm, causing intense feelings of happiness, relaxation, and post-climax satisfaction • Areas of the brain involving fear and emotion are deactivated during orgasm

6. http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/tips-moves/what-an-orgasm-feels-likehttp://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/tips-moves/what-an-orgasm-feels-like

7. Sperm Retention Theory • Some researchers believe the contractions of the vagina and uterus during an orgasm help retain the released sperm due to a suction effect created by the contraction • Orgasms tend to exhaust women, causing them to lie on their back post-intercourse thus allowing for greater sperm retention

8. But that doesn’t sound too logical… • There is no proof that the position of a woman post-intercourse affects sperm retention at all • Some studies have shown that the vaginal-uterine contractions can expel the sperm rather than suction it upwards towards the cervix

9. http://www.francesfox.com/uncategorized/enthe-2012-issue-neglect-energy-bodies/http://www.francesfox.com/uncategorized/enthe-2012-issue-neglect-energy-bodies/

10. Initial Development Hypothesis • Many scientists, beginning in the 1970s, have speculated that women might have orgasms for no reproductive reason at all • Stemming from the initial phase of fetal development, where sex has not been identified yet, women are capable of orgasms because men have orgasms • The hormones determining sex are still inactive, and the nerves laid down for future sex organs in this initial period are exactly the same in all fetuses. • The male hormones ‘saturate’ the embryo and sexuality is defined, accounting for the differences in male and female anatomy but shared ability to orgasm

11. Are they around to stay? • According to some followers of the Initial Development Hypothesis, female orgasms are not an adaptation for survival of the species, meaning they might be phased out after many, many years. • However, many believe women will continue to have orgasms as long as men are able to, for the capacity to orgasm is determined prior to sex assignment, making the difference between the two orgasms evolutionarily nonexistent. • Scientists also find fault with the idea that female orgasms are not considered adaptive if they might not always occur with intercourse

12. Other Hypotheses • Orgasms encourage women to have sex more frequently, therefore providing more possibility of reproduction • As women cannot reproduce at the same rate as men, orgasms are one of natures ways of ensuring women will be more willing to have intercourse again post childbirth • Orgasms can also be seen as a sort of selection process; it is possible that at one point in time, the ability to cause an orgasm was an indicator of a partner’s strength and health

13. Oxytocin: the Magic Hormone • Released in the brain during an orgasm, oxytocin causes the sensation of closeness and happiness with the other person; it is often referred to as the ‘cuddling hormone’ • Therefore, it is possible that it creates the atmosphere into which a couple wishes to bring offspring • Scientists have also studied the suction-like power of the oxytocin when injected directly into the uterus; such suction power could be an attempt to draw sperm towards the cervix • Oxytocin has also been sited as a cause for more intense orgasms

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15. Let’s Be Thankful… • Regardless of their evolutionary role, female orgasms are a wonderful thing

16. http://confessionsofamuslimmommaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/susan-boyle-thumbs-up.jpghttp://confessionsofamuslimmommaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/susan-boyle-thumbs-up.jpg

17. Sources • http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/human-biology/female-orgasms-human-species.html • http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/17/science/17orga.html • http://www.womenshealthmag.com/sex-and-relationships/anatomy-of-an-orgasm?page=3 • http://www.askmen.com/dating/love_tip_250/271_love_tip.html • http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn7481-genes-blamed-for-fickle-female-orgasm.html