http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-mysterious-o.html
The Mysterious O
Exactly how “National Orgasm Day” came to be remains a mystery, but I am happy for the occasion to unpack the dialogue about one of the most coveted human experiences on the planet. Like many sexual discussions which rarely or never happen in the midst of our most intimate relationships, yet proliferate the airwaves and video content of adult entertainment, most people have an extremely limited language to work with when it comes to orgasm. This collective silence about the mystery of orgasm and how it affects our well being and our relationships impacts a stunning percentage of the population. Many studies, including a 2001 global study (30 countries) of sexual behavior with over 27,000 participants reveals that orgasmic dysfunction is more the norm than the exception. One third of all women have never experienced orgasm and the second third experience orgasm only rarely. Orgasmic dysfunction is not just a woman’s story; equal numbers of men suffer from a range of issues that hinder their ability to experience orgasm.
The word orgasm is derived from the Greek word orga which means explosion. This makes sense because the experience of orgasm often feels like a burst of pleasure, bliss, emotional and physical release. In fact, the moment of orgasm creates such a complete letting go, that the brain center that controls anxiety and fear is switched off. Orgasms are as unique as each individual who experiences them. The wide variety of intensity, location and stimulus that contribute to and create orgasm plays a big part of the mystery that many women experience in identifying what an orgasm feels like. Interestingly, studies have found that the confusion about experiencing orgasm goes both ways–some women claim having an orgasm and show no bodily response, while other women who do have classic response like vaginal contractions and heart racing believe that nothing has happened. The modern mythology and (dare I say it–pornography) of orgasm looms so large that many of us are not even sure how to identify our own.
The good news is that the more orgasms you have, the more orgasms you’re likely to have in the future. Learning about your own sexual response and developing your orgasmic potential will bring both immediate gratification and long-term satisfaction. As with any skill based human motor function, all bodies come equipped with the tools for orgasm, yet without the proper education and opportunity to practice, many people never successfully achieve the synergy of mind, body and spirit to release this very unique and revelatory experience. It is a quest worthy or our time and attention.
The first step on this journey is taking the conversation about sensation, pleasure and orgasm out of the adult entertainment industry and into the privacy of our bedrooms. This may seem like stating the obvious, but actually intimate sexual conversations are harder than you would think to come by. Your sense of safety in yourself and in your relationship is key to expressing your desires and living in the vulnerable place that opens to sexuality. This is a tall order given the combined impact of the lack of sexual knowledge we’re raised with, our shared cultural anxiety, and how little scientific knowledge is available about sexual response.
Orgasm is the human expression of life force and whether you are among the lucky few who know it as the height of intimate relationships or are among the many who are looking for the gate to knowing it better, it is a currency that affects us all. This week we will explore the variety of experiences and techniques available for accessing your own pleasure responses. We ask you to share the strategies you have used to open a conversation with yourself and your partner that leads you to pleasure. We will be sure to share any great answers with everyone.
Tomorrow, The Mysterious O: Desire
Wendy Strgar, the owner and founder of Good Clean Love, manufacturer of all natural love and intimacy products. She is a sex educator focusing on “Making Love Sustainable,” a green philosophy of relationships which teaches the importance of valuing the renewable resources of love and family. She has learned that physical intimacy is an important component of sustaining healthy loving relationships through her own marriage of over 25 years.
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I was so lucky as a little girl, mom had "The Life and Loves of Frank Harris" and "1001 Arabian Nights", then as an almost 20 yr old, I found "Total Orgasm" - that was in around 1969 or 70... I have been the licky, er, flicky... no, ah, I mean the luckiest woman...
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All women can ejaculate. To explain, a clitoral orgasm takes three and a half minutes to achieve whilst a vaginal orgasm takes five minutes. This can be seen in female ejaculation which is achieved after five minutes of pulling gently downwards on the inner labia. After three and a half minutes the pleasurable sensation goes, but when it is carried on the pleasurable sensation comes back shortly before five minutes and female ejaculation occurs on five minutes, which is the length of time needed for a G spot orgasm.
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I read a book entitled "The Multi-Orgasmic Man," which was very enlightening as well as helpful in a practical sense. I knew the difference between orgasm and ejaculation but to really experience the difference has greatly enhanced my sexual response.
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As for teens there are books, manuals; yes they are of age to learn was going on if mom don't tell them. they probably have problems temselves. As a married woman that's were I learned that I was not a "misfit" but the husband was, in women mags in doctor's chronicles.
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Most kids have a sexual time of discovery or curiosty of plying Dr. It't to the parents to let them know, it's not a bad thing, not to scared them to high hell saying its taboo and that they are bad kids for doing their own sexual orientation/exploration at a tender age. I remember it had felt so good and warm down there being touched. How do/would parents react? Educate the parent for their responsiveness to the situation. My religious or non-educated on the subject scared the begeejus out of me. Forget the national Day=educate parents. I was about 5 then.
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This topic came up last week on the other Big O (Oprah) when it was suggested that self-pleasuring should be part of every young woman's sex education from her mother. Oh, the horror! But the point made was that if a young woman doesn't know her own body and her power to satisfy herself, she will always be at the mercy of her lover to provide fulfillment. If a third of women have never had one orgasm, obviously leaving it to the other party is not succeeding. While I wouldn't advocate vibrators from within a school-based sex ed program, masturbation should certainly be discussed privately in the context of the home.
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Seems people will dedicate almost anything to a "National Day", including sex. But try dedicating a National Aboriginal Day, or Week, or Month, and see what kind of sympathy you get.
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Sex doesn't have to be just a physical act (been there, done that, it's a shadow of the real thing); it can be so much more, a complete language all its own, that only the lovers share with one another. It's not about gratifying self, but about knowing yourself and sharing yourself openly and completely with your exclusive one, with each partner caring enough to take the time to learn the partner's nuances. There are several different kinds of O that my hubby and I have found we can enjoy together, but it's because he took the time and interest to learn my responses and triggers, as I was willing and eager to explore and make his dreams come true, too. It's mutual and beautiful, and yes it does create a special and sacred bond between us. When I realized it's not just about me, and found a man who also knows it's not just about him... that was the beginning of exponentially better EVERYTHING.
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The suggestion of a vibrator and a good book works for us older women, too. After a woman reaches "a certain age" (and there is great debate over the number) a little help is often needed to achieve orgasm. Too many women are stuck on their religious upbringing and are unwilling to try a vibrator or other aid, but sometimes it really is necessary. I had been using one secretly for years when my spouse suggested I get one to use during our lovemaking because I was having difficulty achieving orgasm. Even with the "toy" as he calls it, I cannot come to orgasm if there is something wrong with my physical or emotional self. I have to have the mind/body connection or it's a no-go. I have to feel loving and giving toward him before I get anywhere. I am easily distracted and any outside influence throws me off. But when everything is aligned, whew!
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