COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SEXUAL RESPONSE
In the preceding article, we discussed a number of misconceptions related to sexual anatomy and sexual satisfaction (e.g., a bigger penis provides more stimulation to the female during intercourse). In light of the physiologic responses just considered, we can now debunk some other common myths about sex.
One commonly held belief is that males have a greater sexual capacity than females. The reverse is actually true. From the viewpoint of physical capability, females have an almost unlimited orgasmic potential, while men, because of the refractory period, are unable to have a rapid series of ejaculations. (While women do not have a true refractory period, orgasmic potential is undoubtedly restricted by fatigue. There may be other physiologic limitations not known at present.) Many males also find it difficult to obtain another erection shortly after ejaculation. From a mechanical perspective then, their capacity to participate in repeated intercourse usually does not match that of the opposite sex.
Another misconception about sexual response is that the male can always tell if his female partner had an orgasm. At times, the male may be unaware of his partner's orgasm because he is caught up in his own feelings of arousal or because he doesn't recognize the physical signs of female orgasm. This may occur either because his expectations are inaccurate, because he doesn't know what to expect, or because the accuracy of his sense of vision is lessened during high levels of sexual excitation. Some males are fooled by a partner who "fakes" orgasm by means of loud moans and groans, intense pelvic thrusting, heavy breathing, and voluntary contractions of the outer portion of the vagina.
The notion that all orgasms are intense, earth-shattering, explosive events is another widespread sexual misconception that can probably be traced to the literary imagination. Although the reflex mechanisms of orgasmic response are fairly uniform, some orgasms are mild, fluttery, or warm, while others are blockbusters. These differences arise from variations in the person's physical state such as being tired, tense, having a sore throat or headache, or from variations in the emotions that accompany the sexual experience. The sensations of any physiologic process — drinking a glass of water, eating a meal, breathing, urinating, or
sex — vary in different times and circumstances.
In the 1950s, the idea that "mutual orgasm" (both partners experiencing orgasm at the same time) was the ultimate peak in sexual pleasure became popular and was advocated
enthusiastically in numerous marriage manuals. Many people tried to "fine tune" the timing of their responses, but working at sex usually resulted in a loss of spontaneity and fun. While mutual orgasm can be exhilarating, each person can be so wrapped up in his or her own response missed.
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