ON ORGASM AND FOREPLAY
What is an orgasm?
An orgasm represents the zenith of human pleasurable experiences. Orgasm is derived from the Greek word orgies, which means to swell with lust.
Orgasm is defined as an explosive, cerebrally encoded, neuromuscular response at the peak of sexual arousal by psychopathological stimuli, the pleasurable sensations of which are experienced in association with dispensable pelvic physiological concomitants.
Why orgasm?
Sex is not merely the means to an end. It is both the means to an end (procreation) and an end in itself (pleasure). Orgasm is nature’s masterstroke. Nature has ingeniously accomplished the dual objective of pleasure and procreation by providing an inherently sensual pleasure-oriented side to our personality.
The pleasure principle has, is and shall always remain principal.
Early Orgasmic Response (EOR): This is defined as an orgasm that is experienced earlier than one’s idealized expectations, which are within rational limits.
Delayed Orgasmic Response (DOR): When orgasm does ultimately occur but is delayed beyond one’s idealized expectations, which are within rational limits, it is called a delayed orgasmic response.
Impaired Orgasmic Response (IOR) is defined as a reduction in the intensity of orgasmic pleasure.
Absent Orgasmic Response (AOR): This category includes cases in which there is a complete failure to experience a pleasure.
How does one reach orgasm?
When an individual has a sexual desire, he departs from the normal state and enters into the sexual state and is deemed to have undergone sexual grounding. Sexual grounding or the sexual state is when the subject becomes receptive to the perception of stimuli inputs as sexual. Once this occurs, psychopathological stimuli arouse the sex centre in the brain, which starts sending out impulses, which are usually pleasurable. When such impulses reach the genitalia, the resultant increased blood flow leads to congestion in the genitals. This phenomenon is usually manifested as erection in the male and lubrication in the female. Further stimulation enhances arousal and eventually culminates in orgasm.
What is interplay?
Interplay encompasses the spectrum of sexual interaction, the entire grommet of motions and emotions between individuals indulging in ‘play’.
Is foreplay important?
Yes, it is extremely important. It kindles the desire and marks the beginning of the interplay. Adequate foreplay ensures adequate arousal and promotes sexual compatibility.
Is after-play important?
Yes. After-play is as important as foreplay. Though penovaginal sex is regarded as the most intimate and satisfying form of sexual activity, this is not always true. Many women report—”I am not worried about orgasm, but I would very much appreciate a bit of love play. Vatsyayana, in the Kamasutra, has given a lot of emphasis on the after-play, and he has mentioned that after-play is equally, if not more important than foreplay. Most people enjoy being held, cuddled, talked to, and partners need to communicate with each other as to what they prefer. Often, a woman in her fifties would come and report—”Doctor, sex is now far more satisfying even though my husband is unable to achieve an erection.” Perhaps he is forced to learn or devote more time to foreplay after the play, which takes away the feeling of mechanical sex, and, at times, when he is unable to perform, there is enough warmth and affection.
Foreplay introduces and after play summarizes the crucial interplay.