O For Orgasm
In 2006, peace activists Donna Sheehan and Paul Reffell established Global Orgasm Day, a celebration held every December 21 since then. “Orgasms for Peace” was originally declared as an action for world peace. While achieving world peace remains a distant goal, December 21 has also become part of the sex-positive movement, serving as an occasion for education and a focal point to underscore the significance of sexual freedom.
The American Psychological Association defines orgasm as the climax of sexual stimulation and activity. For people with a vulva, it manifests as a muscular contraction of the vulva and anus, whereas for people with a penis, it usually takes the form of ejaculation. For people with a vulva, a distinction can also be made between clitoral and vaginal orgasms; clitoral orgasms result from external stimulation, while vaginal orgasms involve internal stimulation using a toy, hand, penis or another aid. The G-spot plays a central role in vaginal orgasm. According to a study, achieving a vaginal orgasm is only possible for 18.4% of vulva owners.
But genital stimulation is not always necessary for orgasm. Stimulating other parts of the body, such as the nipples, the breasts or the thighs, can also lead to climax.
Apart from providing pleasure, orgasms have various positive effects on our physical, sexual, and mental health, including:
- Deep sleep
- Pain relief through the release of oxytocin
- Stress reduction, leading to a healthier mental state
- Clearer skin
- A strengthened immune system
- A deeper bond and intimacy with your partner
Mind The Gap
The road to equality is still long, even when it comes to orgasms. Gender disparities persist not only economically but also in matters of sex. These imbalances stem from patriarchal persectives on sexuality and ignorance regarding female anatomy. Much like many other subjects, the discourse around orgasms is still influenced by heteronormative thinking.
The term “orgasm gap,” inspired by the “pay gap,” highlights that individuals with vulvas experience orgasms less frequently than those with penises, particularly in heterosexual relationships. Scientific studies reveal that 95% of heterosexual men regularly achieve orgasm through penetration alone, while only 82% of women do the same. The same study supports the idea that individuals with vulvas are generally less likely to experience vaginal orgasms but more likely to achieve orgasm through oral sex and/or manual stimulation. In queer couples, the gap is notably smaller.
However, there is no gap in masturbation. According to a study by the Hamburg Institute for Sexual Research, approximately 91% of people with vulvas surveyed reported having an orgasm during masturbation.
Apart from physical stimulation, various factors influence the ability to climax. Psychological stress and social pressure often result in lower libido and the absence of climax.
“Real pleasure develops primarily through touch and not through pure stimulation. If you only concentrate on the orgasm, you not only forget about all the other erogenous zones, but you may also put the participants under unnecessary pressure,” says sex therapist Dorothea Perkusic.
The female orgasm, in particular, receives inadequate attention due to taboos in many countries, which is why holidays like Global Orgasm Day are important!
The Best "Comes" At The End
Global Orgasm Day is the last sex-positive holiday of the year. It provides a wonderful opportunity to address existing taboos and grievances while celebrating the beautiful feelings it facilitates. The day empowers marginalized groups, allowing them to speak about self-awareness and self-advocacy in sex. The holiday is particularly important for integrating FLINTA* people into the conversation about orgasm, raising awareness about the importance of exploring one’s own body, recognising what pleasure means, and formulating one’s own boundaries and desires.
A fulfilling sex life, and its enhanced quality, depend not only on experiences but also on the ability to communicate one’s needs. Access to sexual health facilities and education is essential to bridge the gap.
It’s not impossible; it requires education, awareness, and knowledge. Let’s combat the orgasm gap because sex should be fun for everyone!
[Note: FLINTA* is an abbreviation borrowed from German which designates women/females, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and agender people.]
