Sex column

Q:  What’s the deal with the female orgasm? Why doesn’t it just “happen” like in the movies?

We’re all familiar with the Samantha Jones character from Sex and the City, an example of a woman in charge of her sexuality, loudly moaning and seemingly able to climax every time with every partner, no matter the position or sexual escapade.

But what about the rest of the female population, left wondering “how do I get ‘there’”?
First off, I would like to say that you’re not alone. There is nothing wrong with you or your body. Many women ask themselves similar questions. While nature has given females the incredible gift of multiple orgasms, it has also made the female orgasm a difficult task to obtain. According to a poll conducted by Cosmopolitan, in which they interviewed over two thousand women, 50-60% of women will never have an orgasm via sexual intercourse alone and will require clitoral stimulation to reach climax.

Let’s go back to basics. According to Wikipedia, an orgasm is the peak of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, accompanied by quick cycles of muscle contractions in the lower pelvic muscles, creating an intense sensation of pleasure. There are also characteristic patterns of change in heart rate, blood pressure, and often respiration rate and depth. Women have the capacity to experience an orgasm in multiple ways, notably through stimulation of the G-spot (typically through vaginal sexual intercourse) and stimulation of the clitoris (typically though oral sex (cunnilingus) or masturbation). Other methods, such as stimulation of erogenous zones like the breasts and neck, can also assist in producing orgasm.

On average, women take between 20 and 30 minutes of stimulation and arousal to achieve orgasm, while men require far less. Women also have more variation in what they consider to be stimulating as well as having more difficulty defining exactly which type and intensity of stimulation works best. There are many women who claim they cannot orgasm through vaginal penetration alone, with only twenty percent able to climax without some sort of direct clitoral stimulation. Every woman’s body is different, and her ability to cum is also multi-factorial.
Advice often given by sex therapists resembles the following: make sure that you are relaxed and with a partner who makes you feel comfortable about your body and whom you can have fun with. After all, how are you supposed to obtain ultimate arousal if you are uncomfortable?

Q. Where can I find sexual health resources on campus?

University Health Services (UHS) provides a wide range of sexual health information and resources right on campus for all Michigan students. Free condoms are available at UHS Health Promotion and Community Relations in room 2110. They also offer coupons for discounted safer sex products available at the UHS pharmacy. The Safe Sex Store on South University also carries a variety of condoms and other products.

The UHS gynecology clinic provides women’s health services including pap smears, pregnancy testing and options counseling, oral contraceptives, emergency contraception, and information on all contraceptive options. The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is available at UHS as well. Confidential sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing can also be received at UHS by appointment or walk-in.

Planned Parenthood of Mid-Michigan, located on 3100 Professional Drive in Ann Arbor, offers clinical services including STI/HIV testing, birth control, pregnancy testing, options counseling, abortion services, Men’s health services, and LGBT services. They can be reached at (734) 973-0710.

The UM Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) is the campus resource for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment. They have a 24-hour crisis line that can be reached at (734) 963-3333. The SAPAC professional staff provides legal, medical, academic, and housing advocacy for survivors. Their office is located at 715 N. University, suite 202 and is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. UM Counseling and Psychology Services, located in the Union, offers free, confidential services for UM students.

Mimi Singh and Jenna Kraft are writing on behalf of Students for Choice.
Got questions about sex? We’ll answer them! Email sexquestions@umich.edu.