The O Word
Take Home Messages and Nuggets:
- Definition of an orgasm
- The importance of orgasm health
- How pelvic PT can help
Have you ever had trouble with having an orgasm? Orgasms are different for everyone and it is a big misconception to think that they can only happen from penetrative intercourse. An orgasm is a climax (or peak) of sexual excitement, characterized by feelings of pleasure centered in the genitals and (in men) experienced as an accompaniment to ejaculation. Orgasms can be achieved in many different ways. Why would a pelvic floor physical therapist be concerned about orgasm health? Orgasms directly relate to the pelvic floor muscles and pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial to your health.
Here’s why:
Orgasm strength is directly related to your pelvic floor strength! The stronger your pelvic floor, the stronger your orgasm. However, this doesn’t mean you should perform a million kegels. Sometimes too many kegels can cause dysfunction in the pelvic floor, especially if your muscles aren’t aligned or if they are too stretched out. Your pelvic floor muscles contract as you orgasm. If you have dysfunction, weakness or even lack of awareness in your pelvic floor - there can be a decrease / increase in the sensation you feel at climax. Pelvic floor therapists will evaluate and treat any dysfunction noted within this specific area and can help you figure out why you may have decreased sensation or reasons as to why you may not be having orgasms at all. There could be a physical reason as to why one may be having issues with orgasms, but mental health also plays a big role in orgasm health too.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. A study published by The Journal of Sexual Research in 2017 showed that orgasm ability increased by 30 PERCENT when women and men participated in a mindfulness program where they meditated. Another fun fact where there is a brain / body connection is based on true science itself – why do we say “toe curling orgasm?”. The sensory stimulation of the genitals is extremely close to the sensory stimulation of your toes based on the cortical connections of our brain – this is why your toes can curl as a response to an orgasm! Weird, huh?!
Now that you have some more knowledge in the noggin - know that there are ways to help if you have trouble with orgasms or obtaining one!
What's up next? I have a great breastfeeding story coming your way that will be posted next week. Stay tuned!
With love always,
