Complexity of Orgasm from an Ecological Perspective

Orgasm is a complex phenomenon within a complex person within a complex world. Despite such complexity, some people from many walks of life, across all age ranges, and in many populations (e.g., the LGBTQ+ community) around the globe have had an orgasm. Others, such as some members on r/BecomingOrgasmic, have not yet had an orgasm, perhaps in correlation with some element or elements of complexity related to orgasm.

The model below (loosely based on Bronfenbrenner’s (1974) model) is a reminder that a well-formed model of orgasm must take into account the entire ecosystem of the orgasm-haver. While orgasm may seem like a simple thing, especially if they come easily, orgasm is a complex phenomenon by itself and has many complex interdependencies in its body and its body’s ecosystem. Many interdependencies within one’s self, their partner, and external factors can change the conditions of one’s sex life and perhaps their orgasm(s).

Your personal path to an orgasmic experience may be impacted by any of the things mentioned below… and more. In your experience, what impacts your ability to achieve an orgasm? Have you personally experienced something which blocked or triggered your orgasms?

Individual Factors

Physical, sexual, and mental health (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.), age, gender, anatomy, genitalia, chromosomes, sexual motivation, willingness to explore, ability to use and acquire sexual aids, responsiveness to toys and stimulation of self, ability to become aroused, orgasm threshold, libido, phobias, fears and aversions, knowledge of anatomy, past trauma, pain level, physical mobility, comfort level with engaging in masturbation and sex, attitudes towards sex and masturbation, openness to try new things, menstrual cycle, position of stimulation, past surgeries, childbirth.

Factors in the Bedroom with Partner(s)

Partner(s) relationship with the above-mentioned individual factors, attractiveness to partner, sexual stimuli in environment, desire, communication skills, relationship wellness, current or past trauma associated with partner, partner’s knowledge of the individual’s individual factors.

Friends, Family, and Community Beliefs about Sex

LGBT+ friendliness, kink-friendliness, groups in community (i.e., Fetlife), thoughts about orgasm and sex in church, work, school, et cetera.

Society and Culture

Sexism, objectification of women, beliefs and epistemology of orgasm (orgasm-centrism) in culture, religious motivated beliefs and practices (Dhat Syndrome in India and Ghusl in Islamic Law), sex in media (pornography, news, online).

Government

Roe vs. Wade and other reproductive health-related laws in governments across the globe, access to sexual health care, laws related to LGBT+, kink, minority, or other communities, religion in government.

Ideas across Time

Historical writings on sex, love, and pleasure, philosophy of sex, love, and pleasure, patriarchy.