Noborn in 2006, the World Orgasm Day, also known as Global Orgasm Day, is also celebrated on December 21stin addition to July 31st. At the base the invitation arreflect on sexual well-being and what orgasm entails, above all the breaking down of taboos and the so-called orgasm gap, which as often happens is to the detriment of women. A topic, especially female orgasm, which still requires a lot of knowledge and discussion.
World Orgasm Day, a topic still full of taboos
Two dates to raise awareness of an issue that is still little known and very thorny today: the female orgasm. This is how it is on July 31st and especially on the occasion of the winter solstice, therefore on December 21st or 22nd, World Orgasm Day is celebrated. The idea for this winter celebration came about in 2006 when two American activists, Paul Reffell and Donna Sheehan, with the Beatles song Come Together they promoted the achievement of a great collective orgasm with the arrival of winter. An occasion that wanted to highlight how much little is still known on the topic, in particular on female orgasm.
«The theme of sexuality and therefore of orgasm unfortunately it still remains a taboo due to cultural (and religious) heritage. There is too little talk about it in society, in the family and at schoolespecially in its female declination, focusing mainly on risks, pathologies and reproduction and therefore leading to a sexological education that is still rigid and sexophobic. There is profound misinformation, not only among the younger ones, cwhich leads to the dangerous search for information on blogs or pornographic material” explains the Dr. Giorgio Quaranta, psychologist and sexologist, also available on MioDottore. Historical and religious factors that also led to the so-called orgasm gapalso defined pleasure gapor the less attention and also knowledge regarding the female orgasm: «According to recent research, 95% of straight men interviewed usually or always reach orgasm, while the percentage among heterosexual women drops to 65%. All this can lead to experiencing sex with embarrassment or shame, preventing healthy exploration and knowledge of oneself and othersfeelings of discomfort, fear or guilt and to prevent fruitful communication, between partners or in various areas of daily life”.
Physical benefits of orgasm…
Yet around the achievement of physical pleasure There are many benefits, both physical, psychological and emotional. On a physical level, orgasm is one of the greatest pleasures the body can experience. It is in fact one explosion of neurons, molecules and neurotransmitters that activate the body, mind and brain to give a profound feeling of well-being.
«Physically speaking, there are various reactions. First of all, a reduction in the activity of the prefrontal cortex which leads to a relaxation of control and attention, and therefore to an increase in pleasure. Furthermore, the heartbeat and respiratory rate accelerate, stimulating vasodilation and tissue oxygenation. There is also an increase in hormonal production, in particular dopamine, defined as the hormone of pleasure and well-being, oxytocin or the love hormone and endorphins which are natural painkillers, which is why orgasm can relieve muscle tension and various pains. It also increases serotonin, which gives us a feeling of happiness and satisfaction. Finally, thanks to the increase in prolactin and the decrease in cortisol, and the simultaneous release of testosterone and dopamine, after orgasm you can experience an intense sensation of relaxation.”
…and mental and emotional well-being
Not only that, orgasm also brings with it benefits on a mental and emotional level. So much so that it acts as a powerful natural antidepressant and anxiolyticreducing stress, emotional burdens and increasing good mood.
«It is not uncommon to find ourselves calmer and more satisfied after a moment of intense pleasure. Furthermore, if reaching orgasm occurs as a couple, it can guarantee greater intimacy, creating emotional closeness and trust, and contributing to relational well-being. If, however, it is achieved through autoeroticism, pleasure can become an opportunity to strengthen self-esteem, self-knowledge, to develop healthy psychosexual growth and be a way to improve the relationship with one’s body.”
Are there differences between male and female orgasms?
Basically, the benefits at various levels are generic for everyone. However, in addition to personal experience, there are also specificities between women and men: “For example, in women orgasm causes a more marked drop in blood pressure, improves lubrication and strengthens the pelvic floorcontributing to the prevention of incontinence and prolapse, relieves menstrual pain, improves the health of the skin and hair thanks to estrogen” explains the expert.
In men, however, there is an increase in testosterone levels and a decrease in performance anxiety. «Moreover, frequent ejaculatory episodes contribute to the well-being of the prostate and to containing the refractory period. Finally, the release of oxytocin appears to be more persistent in women, creating a greater emotional bond. While the release of post-orgasm prolactin leads women to seek greater cuddles and intimacy, men are typically more inclined to relax and fall asleep.”