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First stirrings: cultural notes on orgasm, ejaculation, and wet dreams.

Diederik F Janssen1

  • 1Berg & Dalseweg 209 k60, Nijmegen 6522BK, The Netherlands. diederikjanssen@gmail.com

Journal of Sex Research
|June 30, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Sexual milestone research reveals that the timing and significance of first orgasm (orgasmarche), ejaculation (oigarche), and wet dreams are culturally influenced. These findings impact how we understand psychosexual development and the cultural construction of pleasure.

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Area of Science:

  • Sexology
  • Psychology
  • Cultural Studies

Background:

  • Numeric milestone research in sexology informs pedagogical approaches to pleasure.
  • The cultural construction of psychosexual milestones requires critical examination.
  • Understanding the chronology of sexual experiences is key to sexological research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze international data on the timing of three key sexual milestones: first orgasm (orgasmarche), first ejaculation (oigarche), and nocturnal emissions.
  • To discuss methodological challenges in measuring these sexual milestones.
  • To interpret these findings through a culturalist lens.

Main Methods:

  • Review of international data on sexual autobiographies.
  • Analysis of chronological data for orgasmarche, oigarche, and nocturnal emissions.
  • Qualitative discussion of measurement limitations and cultural influences.

Main Results:

  • Significant variation exists in the reported ages of orgasmarche, oigarche, and nocturnal emissions across cultures.
  • Methodological issues complicate the precise measurement of these sexual milestones.
  • The perceived importance and age-appropriateness of these milestones are culturally determined.

Conclusions:

  • First orgasm (orgasmarche) is a cultural artifact, with its timing and significance shaped by societal norms.
  • Psychosexual milestones are not solely biological events but are deeply embedded in cultural contexts.
  • A culturalist perspective is essential for a nuanced understanding of sexual development and pleasure.