*Just a quick note: The article we referenced speaks about female orgasms but we tried to make it as inclusive as possible by changing the verbiage*
Saturday, July 31st 2021 is National Orgasm Day - basically one of the best holidays of the year.. right? Being a sex toy company, we are obviously ALL about the orgasms. So, we're here to talk about some fun, interesting, and sometimes weird facts about orgasms!
They Can Relieve Pain
This might be one of the most widely known facts about orgasms, but yes, they can relieve pain - including pain from arthritis, after surgery, and even during childbirth - thanks to the release of oxytocin in the body. Although it's short-lived (about 8-10 minutes) past research states that even thinking about sex can help alleviate pain.
Condoms Don't Hurt Your Orgasms
No, condoms do not hinder your orgasms - despite what people may say. According to research, people are just as likely to experience an orgasm with or without a condom. Condoms can actually help sex - especially if you are in a heterosexual relationship - as the penis-owner doesn't have to pull-out before ejaculating.
It's Not Always Easy for Bodies with a Vagina to Reach Orgasm
In fact, 10 to 40% of those with a vagina report having trouble climaxing. It's hard to pinpoint the exact cause but reasons can range from stress & anxiety to medical issues & past trauma - and also age, arousal difficulty & lubrication (#lubeislife).
Orgasms Get Better with Age
While certain things about getting older suck - hello 4-day hangovers - a better sex life is *not* one of them. The quality and frequency of orgasms can improve as you get older. A recent study says that 61% of 18 to 24 year olds achieved the big O during sex, 65% of women in their 30s did, and around 70% of women in their 40s & 50s did.
It Can Take up to 10 Minutes to Orgasm
Many bodies with a vagina take longer to climax than a person with a penis. In fact, most people with a vagina need about 13 minutes of sexual activity to climax.
Genital Stimulation Might Not Always Be the Answer
If you have ever felt turned on or close to climax without vaginal or clitoral stimulation, you're not alone. Some people experience "spontaneous orgasm" - aka orgasms without genital stimulation (yes, please). While the scientific reason is unclear, some researchers were able to track which areas of the brain lit up during different types of stimulation. It turns out, when nipples are stimulated, that genital sensation traveled to the same part of the brain as the vagina, clitoris, and cervix. Stimulating the nipples actually releases oxytocin. Who knew?
Clitoral Stimulation Orgasms Are Most Common
This is quite a surprising fact: one study states that only 6% of people with a vagina said they always orgasm during penetrative sex. While another study showed that 36.6% need clitoral stimulation. If you're someone who needs clitoral stimulation during sex, try using a clitoral sex toy to help!
Lesbians Are Orgasming More
Probably not too big of a surprise but one study shows that 86% of lesbians reported typically having an orgasm while 66% of bisexuals and 65% heterosexual women reported having one. The same study found that women who orgasmed more had more foreplay and oral sex in addition to vaginal intercourse.
Who's celebrating National Orgasm Day?