2024-02-21 15:45:50
“Give me the same thing as her,” Estelle Reiner says to the waiter, pointing to Meg Ryan, who has just simulated an orgasm in the restaurant where the famous meeting in the film takes place. When Harry Met Sally (1989). This famous scene is undoubtedly the most famous orgasm in cinema history.
Orgasm. We have heard, read or said this word many times without stopping to think regarding its meaning. Its origin comes from the Greek word orgasmswhich itself derives from barley (“temperament”, “anger”, “fury”), and the suffix -asmos, which refers to the idea of “abrupt result”, “blow”. Orgasm is the intense and pleasurable climax of sexual arousal. It is characterized by rhythmic contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, accompanied by intense pleasure and followed by a feeling of relaxation and satisfaction.
The nervous system is in control
What if we defined orgasm in a more technical way? We would then say that it is the maximum intensity of the excitation generated by the afferent stimulation of visceral and/or somatic sensory receptors activated exogenously and/or endogenously. This intensity is associated with the appearance of higher order cognitive processes and is then followed by a relaxation and resolution (decrease) of arousal.
This definition sounds like gibberish. But it probably brings us closer to the real architect of this symphony of neuronal activities: the nervous system. Orgasm is a complex event that involves a synergistic interaction between body and mind. And what better conductor than our nervous system to play this role?
Indeed, studies based on functional magnetic resonance imaging show that to achieve an orgasm, multiple nerve structures must be activated, resulting in an hyperactive sympathetic storm. This is a condition in which the sympathetic nervous system – the one that controls the body’s involuntary actions such as breathing or heart rate – exhibits excessive activity. This binge causes physiological changes in the body, such as an increase in heart rate, blood pressure or breathing (which becomes faster and deeper).
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This is what the brain-led orchestra looks like
But the symphony does not stop there. In addition to this peripheral response, there is central activation involving several regions of the brain. It’s time to meet its protagonists.
The cortex sensoriel is responsible for processing tactile and sensory information such as stimulation of the clitoris, cervix or vagina. During orgasm, this region of the brain is activated, in response to the pleasurable stimulation it receives.
The rhythmic contractions that characterize orgasm are the result of the activation of the motor cortex, which is responsible for coordinating the muscular response that accompanies sexual orgasm. It is as if the brain directs a succession of movements which end with a crescendo of pleasure.
Scientific studies have shown that the visual cortex is also enabled. This suggests that, during orgasm, attention to the body surfaces being stimulated as well as to visual imagery is increased.
Even though all the instruments are important in an orchestra, at the brain level, the real star of this symphony is the limbic system which constitutes the center of emotions and reward. This is where all the musicality of the sexual climax is unleashed. One of the main limbic structures involved is thehypothalamus. It coordinates the release of sex hormones and neurotransmitters essential to the process of sexual arousal and the development of orgasm.
By following the rhythm, thetonsil emerges as a leading actor. This brain structure is specialized for processing emotions, including those associated with sexuality, such as arousal and pleasure. During orgasm, amygdala activity increases, which helps intensify our emotional response and sensation of pleasure.
L’seahorse, known for its role in memory and learning, also has a place in this neuronal orchestra. It is responsible for encoding and consolidating pleasurable sexual experiences. This means that the limbic system can influence how we remember and process our sexual experiences, including orgasms. These processes can condition our emotional responses and our future sexual behavior.
Finally, other brain structures such as the cerebellum and its projection towards the roof and bridge are involved in the cardiovascular and motor components of orgasm. Activation of the ventrolateral region of the pontine tegmentum has been shown to produce the pelvic floor contractions that are responsible, in women, (at least in part) for physical orgasm. In men, this area also generates pelvic floor contractions responsible, this time, for ejaculation.
A flood of neurotransmitters
In the end, it’s all regarding neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that create a surge of pleasant sensations that flood the brain. Let’s see their role.
Dopamine, which is known as the neurotransmitter of pleasure and happiness, reaches peak levels during orgasm, which generates a feeling of ecstasy and reward.
Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin is also released in large quantities, which promotes emotional bonding and intimacy between sexual partners. It’s as if the brain is programmed to strengthen bonds during this time, promoting greater connection between partners.
During orgasm, the brain also secretes serotonin, a substance linked to mood regulation and emotional well-being. It helps produce a feeling of satisfaction and happiness, which leads us to understand that orgasm is not only a physical event, but also a mental one.
A beneficial blackout
In this context, the emotional and phenomenological experience of orgasm is linked to the deactivation of certain areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal, temporal and entorhinal cortex. This is interpreted as an increase in the perception of the pleasant experience and the feeling of satiety that accompanies the sensory climax.
In light of all this research, it may not be clear whether it is the brain that controls orgasm or whether it is the other way around. In fact, some studies show that many areas are deactivated at the same time as sexual activity is climaxing, suggesting that the brain virtually “switches off,” with the exception of the brainstem – responsible for cardiovascular activity. – and the cerebellum – responsible for movements.
What is proven is that orgasm can have health benefits: it relieves stress, improves mood and strengthens the immune system. Additionally, the release of endorphins and other chemicals may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, relieving pain and promoting an overall sense of well-being.
After reading this article, I’m sure you will agree with Estelle Reiner and order the same thing as Meg Ryan.
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