O For Orgasm
Peace activists Donna Sheehan and Paul Reffell created Global Orgasm Day in 2006, which has been celebrated every 21st December ever since. “Orgasms for Peace” was originally declared as an action for world peace. Even though world peace is still a long way off, 21 December has also become part of the sex-positive movement and is now used for education and as a reference point to draw attention to the importance of sexual freedom.
The American Psychological Association defines orgasm as the climax of sexual stimulation and activity. For people with a vulva, it manifests itself as a muscular contraction of the vulva and anus, whereas for people with a penis/MAAB it usually takes the form of ejaculation. For people with a vulva, a distinction can also be made between clitoral and vaginal orgasm. While clitoral orgasm occurs through external stimulation of the clitoris, others also experience vaginal orgasm. In this case, the clitoris is stimulated from the inside by a toy, the hand, a penis or other aids. The point that plays a central role is the G-spot. However, according to a study, achieving a vaginal orgasm is only possible for 18.4% of vulva owners.
But sex is not always necessary to have an orgasm. Other forms of intimacy, such as touching other parts of the body (nipples, breasts or thighs), can also lead to climax.
However, apart from giving pleasure, orgasm can do more. It has an immense impact on our physical, sexual as well as mental health and can cause the following positive aspects:
- deep sleep
- Pain relief due to the release of the hormone oxytocin.
- Stress reduction and a resulting healthier mental state
- clear skin
- A strengthened immune system
- A strengthened bond and intimacy with your partner.
But why do we need to talk about it when all these benefits are well known?
Mind The Gap
The road to equality is still long, even when it comes to orgasms. Because not only economically, but also when it comes to sex, there is still an imbalance between the sexes. Reasons are the patriarchal-social view of sexuality or the ignorance about female genitals . This includes the orgasm. Because this, like so many other topics, is still subject to heteronormative thinking.
The term “orgasm gap” is based on the term “pay gap” and describes the fact that people with vulvas reach orgasm much less often than people with penises. This most often affects heterosexual relationships. Scientific studies prove that 95% of heterosexual men regularly reach orgasm through penetration, whereas 82% of women do not through pure penetration. The same study proved the thesis that people with vulvas are generally least likely to experience orgasm vaginally, but more likely to achieve it through oral sex and/or manual stimulation. The gap in queer couples, on the other hand, is much smaller.
Also there is no gap in masturbation. According to a study by the Hamburg Institute for Sexual Research, around 91% of the people with vulvas surveyed said they had an orgasm during masturbation.
Besides physical stimulation, however, other factors condition the ability to come. Psychological stress or social pressure also often lead to a lower libido and the absence of a 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 is still subject to a taboo in many countries and remains chronically untreated, which is why a holiday like Global Orgasm Day becomes all the more important.
The Best "Comes" At The End
Global Orgasm Day is the last sex-positive holiday of the year and a wonderful way to address existing taboos and grievances, but also celebrate the beautiful feeling it allows us to have. It gives marginalized groups a voice to stand up for self-awareness and rights over their own sexuality. The holiday is therefore especially meant to integrate Flinta* people, to raise awareness about the importance of exploring one’s own body, to recognise what pleasure means and gives, and to formulate one’s own boundaries and desires.
Because it is not necessarily the experience that enables a fulfilled sex life and increases its quality, but also the competence to talk about one’s own needs, access to sexual health facilities and education are necessary to close the gap.
It’s not impossible, it just needs education, awareness and knowledge. So let’s fight the orgasm gap, because sex should be fun for all of us!
