An orgasm is defined as the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual excitement during sexual activity, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by sexual pleasure.

In women, orgasms can be achieved vaginal, anal or oral sex, non-penetrative sex or masturbation. It can additionally be achieved by stimulation of the nipples or erogenous zones. Erogenous zones can be located on different part of the body, all along and can be different for different people.

An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened sensitivity, the stimulation of which may generate a sexual response, the sexual arousal and orgasm.

With an introduction of sex toys in our modern lives to spice things up, orgasm may also be achieved by female vibrators, vacuum or artificial stimulators.

Myth 1 – Women can attain orgasm only through sexual intercourse (Penetrative Sex)

Fact – One of three women gets orgasm on a regular basis during sexual intercourse. Few women can attain orgasms through sexual intercourse but require other movements like nipple stimulation, clitoral stimulation from their partner. Recent studies show that an orgasm is a sexual climax no matter which way you achieve it. How a woman reaches an orgasm has nothing to do with her mental health or emotional maturity.

Myth 2 – If a woman does not reach an orgasm, there is something wrong with her or her partner

Fact –Women who were able to reach their orgasms in the past, but can no more do so, may be undergoing with some medical issues or it can be a side-effect from medicinal drugs. Women, who have never attained sexual climax properly, may simply be unaware of what they need to do to attain orgasm, what works for them, what excites them so that they can communicate this to their partner for a more satisfying experience.

Myth 3 – Clitoris or G-spot stimulation for 5 minutes can result in orgasm

Fact – While there are lots of ways of love making that can help a woman to reach her sexual climax, in the end, a woman is the cause of her own pleasure. Intercommunication and emotional intimacy between partners is important as well.

Myth 4 – Heredity and genes have a direct impact on female orgasms

Fact – Studies with twins show that orgasm frequency plays a mild heredity role. However, genetic factors are the reasons for only a third of the population-level variation in the female orgasm.

Myth 5 – Some women cannot achieve an orgasm at all

Fact – About 10% women are unable to achieve orgasm during sexual intercourse. According to Planned Parenthood statistics, as many as 1 in 3 women have trouble reaching orgasm when having sex. And as many as 80% of women have difficulty with orgasm from vaginal intercourse alone.

Inability to reach an orgasm despite of adequate stimulation is called Anorgasmia. It is further classified into Primary or Secondary Anorgasmia. Primary Anorgasmia is a stage in which a woman has never been able to attain sexual climax by any means. Secondary Anorgasmia is an orgasm felt at some point in the past or situational (orgasm may be felt in certain intimate spots but not during other sexual interactions, for instance – reaching an orgasm with foreplay but not with sexual intercourse) but not on regular basis.

Dr.  A. Chakravarthy, MBBS; MHSc; ACS (USA) – Senior Consultant in Reproductive & Sexual Medicine / Sexologist

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