What happens during orgasm?

The debate about the purpose and routes that lead to women experiencing an orgasm is probably as old as medical science.

Although the male orgasm has a clear role from an evolutionary standpoint, in that it is central to the propagation of the human species, experts have not been able to agree on a similar "purpose" for the female orgasm.

From a physiological point of view, the path to sexual arousal is straightforward.

Dr. Pauls explains, "In simplistic terms, genital arousal is characterized by increased blood flow to the pelvic region. In females, this vascular flow results in clitoral engorgement and erection and accompanying vulvar swelling and vaginal [secretion] of fluid."

"If a threshold is reached, orgasm can follow arousal. Activation of [nerve pathways] triggers pelvic floor skeletal muscle contractions that accompany sexual satisfaction," she adds.

So, should we view orgasms as simply being the result of reflex produced by our nerves? As so often in biology, things are more complicated. Our nerves, of course, transmit sensory signals to our brain, where studies have shown that sexual pleasure is processed similarly to other types of pleasure.

[...] the mind may be the ultimate sexual organ, which in combination with anatomy can augment sexual enjoyment."