Female orgasm(s): one, two, several.

INTRODUCTION

There is general agreement that it is possible to have an orgasm thru the direct simulation of the external clitoris. In contrast, the possibility of achieving climax during penetration has been controversial.

METHODS

Six scientists with different experimental evidence debate the existence of the vaginally activated orgasm (VAO).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: To give reader of The Journal of Sexual Medicine sufficient data to form her/his own opinion on an important topic of female sexuality.

RESULTS

Expert #1, the Controversy's section Editor, together with Expert #2, reviewed data from the literature demonstrating the anatomical possibility for the VAO. Expert #3 presents validating women's reports of pleasurable sexual responses and adaptive significance of the VAO. Echographic dynamic evidence induced Expert # 4 to describe one single orgasm, obtained from stimulation of either the external or internal clitoris, during penetration. Expert #5 reviewed his elegant experiments showing the uniquely different sensory responses to clitoral, vaginal, and cervical stimulation. Finally, the last Expert presented findings on the psychological scenario behind VAO.

CONCLUSION

The assumption that women may experience only the clitoral, external orgasm is not based on the best available scientific evidence.