 |
|
|
|
October 13th, 2011
07:14 AM ET
Are female orgasms a 'bonus'?Ian Kerner, a sexuality counselor and New York Times best-selling author, blogs about sex on Thursdays on The Chart. Read more from him on his website, GoodInBed.
Investigators want to know whether the female orgasm is an “adaptation” or “byproduct” of evolution. In other words, does the female orgasm, like the male orgasm, have its own evolutionary raison d’etre and contribute directly to reproductive success? Or is it just an awesome bonus? Make that totally awesome. This question of whether the female orgasm is an adaptation or a byproduct came to the fore in 2005 with the publication of “The Case of the Female Orgasm: Bias in the Science of Evolution,” in which Indiana University professor Elisabeth Lloyd rigorously examined 21 theories that sought to promote the female orgasm as an adaptation and, ultimately, found all of them lacking. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to have had some thought-provoking conversations with Lloyd on various topics – such as whether premature ejaculation makes good evolutionary sense – and recently, her work has been once again garnering much-deserved attention. · Another theory states that female orgasm is a part of mate selection: A woman will choose her mate based on his ability to bring her to climax. · And a third main theory involves the belief that the contractions of female orgasm will draw sperm up the reproductive tract and into the uterus. In her book, Lloyd argues that studies show that the vast majority of women do not experience orgasm as a result of intercourse alone, or do so inconsistently, so how could the female orgasm be an adaptation? If the female orgasm, like the male orgasm, was essential to the propagation of humanity, wouldn’t it need to occur consistently via sexual intercourse? Instead, Lloyd argues to view the female orgasm through the lens of the “byproduct” theory, which holds that orgasm is a trait that is so heavily selected in males (reproduction wouldn’t happen without it) that women retain an inherent capacity – after all, men and women are physiologically the same during the first eight weeks of gestation: Penises grow out, clitorises grow in, but they share the same organic structure and tissue. According to Lloyd, “It is crucial to note that the penis and the clitoris are the ‘same’ organ in men and women. ... [T]he nervous and erectile tissues involved in orgasm in both sexes arose from a common embryological source.” This same byproduct theory also explains why men have nipples: The biological necessity of nursing our young makes the nipple so highly selected in women that male embryos develop immature structures as an evolutionary byproduct. Similar to the clitoris, the male nipple contains highly sensitive tissue that contributes to male sexual arousal and pleasure. Male nipples: arousing? Yes. Necessary? No. Yet a study of twins and siblings published recently in the journal Animal Behavior questions the byproduct theory of female orgasm. Researchers looked for similarities in orgasm function between 10,000 Finnish female and male twins. And although there were significant similarities between same-sex twins, the researchers found no such correlation in orgasm function between opposite-sex twins, a correlation one would expect if female orgasm is a byproduct of male orgasm. All this debate of adaptation vs. byproduct shouldn’t really matter to the average person who just wants to enjoy orgasms. The problem, though, is that we tend to believe that what’s “natural” is better, even orgasms. And if we do argue that the female orgasm is some sort of “evolutionary norm,” then what should be said of all the women who do not orgasm consistently – that they are somehow not normal? As a sex counselor, I frequently receive e-mails from women who are unable to achieve orgasm via intercourse and wonder, “What can I do to change this? What’s wrong with me?” Well, if we stop thinking of female orgasms as something that should naturally result from intercourse, then we can also stop feeling that there’s one right way to have orgasms. In this sense, the byproduct theory offers a more expansive and encompassing view of female sexuality. Unfortunately the term “byproduct” doesn’t exactly resonate with a sense of the exalted, so perhaps we should stick to Lloyd’s later rephrasing of the female orgasm as a “fantastic bonus” – or as I like to say, totally awesome! soundoff (1,434 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Next »Leave a Reply to JT
« Previous entryHealthier foods earn healthier profits
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
What do female orgasms and male nipples have in common? It’s a question that is helping inform research into the purpose of female orgasm (other than simply as a form of pleasure).
Great web site you've got here.. Itís hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
https://disqus.com/by/guiltysalmon79/
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
https://philadelphiaweekly.com/10-best-cbd-lubes-to-buy-in-2021/
Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would
really like to have you share some stories/information. I know
my readers would appreciate your work. If you are even remotely
interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
bookmarked!!, I love your website!
https://wifidb.science/wiki/Basic_Video_Poker_Rules
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for supplying this information.
https://lessontoday.com/profile/liquorsoup91/activity/660555/
Good blog you've got here.. Itís difficult to find good quality writing like yours these days. I seriously appreciate people like you! Take care!!
https://articlescad.com/what-is-watsu-1227769.html
Great article. I will be dealing with some of these issues as well..
https://mathoverflow.net/users/200000
This is a very good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate informationÖ Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://visual.ly/users/beattymurdock733/portfolio
Google has a great tool delivers you create statistics of keyword would make use of.
If you hate pop-ups, most probably they do too. And there are a number of ways to boost your sales and profits using Google AdSense alone.
I needed to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely loved every little bit of it. I have got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you postÖ
https://marvelcomics.faith/wiki/Is_It_Okay_to_Report_Unwanted_Beer_Gambling_Content_on_Sites_Like_Facebook_and_TripAdvisor
Hello there, There's no doubt that your web site might be having internet browser compatibility problems. When I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it's got some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!
http://drakonas.wip.lt/redirect.php?url=https://k-anma.com/daegu/
Saved as a favorite, I like your website!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/134401906-lorentzen
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this post and the rest of the website is very good.
http://respuestas.acomprar.info/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=radioattack37
Excellent post. I will be dealing with many of these issues as well..
http://cqr3d.ru/user/casino2h5obcel564
Can I just say what a relief to uncover somebody who really knows what they're talking about on the web. You actually know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you aren't more popular since you surely have the gift.
https://clashofcryptos.trade/wiki/Develop_at_Pai_Cow_By_Plans_That_Other_Individuals_Never_Consider
That is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise infoÖ Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
https://trade-britanica.trade/wiki/The_fundamentals_of_Poker
An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me dinner due to the fact that I stumbled upon it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this matter here on your web page.
http://www.quickregisterhosting.com/classifieds/user/profile/319156
You made some really good points there. I checked on the internet for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this web site.
http://www.malappuramclassifieds.com/user/profile/278980
It's really a cool and useful piece of information. I'm glad that you shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
I love it when people get together and share thoughts. Great site, keep it up!
http://socialrus.com/story6595918/trouble-gambling-help-the-significance-of-counseling
Iím amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog thatís equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that I came across this during my hunt for something relating to this.
http://forum.pptik.id/member.php?action=profile&uid=33788
I used to be able to find good information from your blog posts.
http://www.gallery-ryna.net/jump.php?url=https://k-anma.com/busan/
bookmarked!!, I love your site!
https://chessdatabase.science/wiki/Historical_past_of_the_Big_Wheel
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this topic here on your internet site.
https://264103.8b.io/page4.html
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be interesting to read through content from other writers and practice a little something from their websites.
https://britishrestaurantawards.org/members/baccarat5clavetrail35/activity/671723/
Hi! I simply would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for your great info you have here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.
http://socialnetworkadsinfo.com/story7181851/a-beginners-guide-to-people-from-france-boule
I absolutely love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you make this web site yourself? Please reply back as Iím looking to create my own site and would love to know where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Cheers!
https://perchbomb95.bloggersdelight.dk/2021/01/22/picture-review-casino-royale/
Hi, I do think this is an excellent website. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will return once again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
https://massage9reidfmgn388.page.tl/The-Most-Pervasive-Problems-in-2623542523B2623546373B2623526363B2623511093B2623475603B2623493243B2623516483B.htm
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will revisit once again since i have book-marked it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
http://q2a.sydt.com.tw/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=geeseplay5
This website was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something which helped me. Appreciate it!
https://spamdb.science/wiki/How_to_Tell_the_Quality_associated_with_a_Casino
Right here is the perfect webpage for everyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually would want toÖHaHa). You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just wonderful!
http://www.studiolegalecentore.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=2430808
I really like it when people get together and share views. Great blog, stick with it!
https://www.lurkerlounge.com/forums/user-125483.html
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! By the way,
how can we communicate?
Hi, I do believe this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back yet again since i have saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.
https://indiaconnect.com/user/profile/25703
You ought to take part in a contest for one of the most useful websites on the internet. I will recommend this website!
http://mcclureandsons.com/projects/Water_Wastewater/Sumner_WWTP.aspx?Returnurl=https://k-anma.com/daegu/
is hydroxychloroquine safe https://www.pharmaceptica.com/
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday. It will always be exciting to read content from other authors and use a little something from other websites.
http://www.bioguiden.se/redirect.aspx?url=https://visual.ly/users/k8eomkz928/portfolio
This website really has all of the information I needed about this subject and didnít know who to ask.
https://www.bookmark-maker.win/14-common-misconceptions-about-meogtwigeomjeung-21
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this web site needs far more attention. Iíll probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the info!
http://sumisip.askmeclassifieds.com/user/profile/379974
I have a blog on blogger and every time i go to my blog it counts it as a page view even when im logged in. How do i make it only count the views from other people?.
https://twitter.com/katekdesigns
How can I publish pictures in articles on Wikipedia without infringing copyright?
https://twitter.com/katekdesigns
I used to be able to find good info from your articles.
https://padlet.com/t9kqgml206/Bookmarks
An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more on this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but generally folks don't discuss such subjects. To the next! Kind regards!!
https://kikipedia.win/wiki/Guide_To_Guide_For_Understanding_How_Gambling_Is_regulated
My website is on a remote server, I have copied all the files from their remote host server. How do I now configure MAMP to see this as a local copy of wordpress so I can edit it and try out different themes. . Please help. I am pulling my hair out!.
https://twitter.com/katekdesigns
The very next time I read a blog, I hope that it won't fail me just as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, nonetheless I actually believed you would have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something that you can fix if you weren't too busy seeking attention.
https://www.vicinissimo.com/user/profile/81472
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your
site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently
rapidly.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!
http://massage2kittanhxqh.cavandoragh.org/pohangchuljang-explained-in-instagram-photos
Can a computer virus infect my computer just by being online? No downloading or uploading. No file sharing. No instant messaging/chatting. No opening of new browsers or opening email or email contents and such. Just leaving my computer on with my homepage screen and connected to internet..
https://www.instagram.com/katekdesigns
I'm new to blogspot and I'm having a difficult time. How can I change the background to a picture I want?.
https://www.instagram.com/katekdesigns
How do I transfer my Blogger feed readers to my WordPress blog?
https://www.facebook.com/KateKowalskyWebMarketing