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Measuring In Vivo Changes in Extracellular Neurotransmitters During Naturally Rewarding Behaviors in Female Syrian Hamsters
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Orgasm in female primates.

M L Allen1, W B Lemmon1

  • 1Institute for Primate Studies, Norman, Oklahoma.

American Journal of Primatology
|January 31, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Female orgasm involves physiological responses like vasocongestion and lubrication. Its evolutionary purpose may stem from phylogenetic inertia, with contractions potentially stimulating ejaculation, though asynchrony is common.

Keywords:
adaptive patternfemale orgasmphylogenetic inertiaprimatesuterine suctionvaginal contractions

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Area of Science:

  • Human Physiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Sexual Health

Background:

  • Female sexual arousal involves vasocongestion and lubrication.
  • Orgasm includes involuntary muscular reactions, particularly in the outer vagina and uterus.
  • Uterine suction may aid ejaculate uptake, and coitus can trigger reflex ovulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the physiological mechanisms of female orgasm.
  • To examine the evolutionary origins and adaptive significance of female orgasm.
  • To understand factors contributing to the asynchrony of male and female orgasm.

Main Methods:

  • Review of physiological responses during female sexual activity.
  • Analysis of proposed indices of orgasm in female nonhuman primates.
  • Theoretical examination of evolutionary hypotheses for female orgasm.

Main Results:

  • Key responses include vaginal wall tumescence, lubrication, and involuntary muscular contractions.
  • Proposed primate orgasm indices include rhythmic contractions and spasms.
  • Female orgasm may persist due to phylogenetic inertia rather than recent selection.

Conclusions:

  • Female orgasmic contractions might stimulate ejaculation, an adaptive pattern.
  • Common asynchrony arises from male ejaculatory threshold and female psychological/physiological factors.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the evolutionary role of female orgasm.