[The neurophysiology of the female orgasm]

The way women experience orgasm during passionate sexual activity has been of interest throughout the ages. The astonishing advances of functional imaging techniques recently allowed unravelling the neuroanatomy of female orgasm within a distributed corticosubcortical neural network. In the present article, we review the clinical and experimental evidence that attributes orgasm not only a peripheral but also a central origin. We thus outline the importance of integrating orgasm as a complex process involving the entire woman, mind and body. In light of this, future studies in female sexuality would need to take account of the consequences of both standard approaches in sexology and functional imaging results in the understanding of the human sexual function and in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.