Multiple Os

While reading a Feb. 2023 study called Women’s Experiences of Different Types of Orgasms—A Call for Pleasure Literacy?, I had an epiphany of an previously-unrecognized-by-me elephant in a room: the clitoral versus vaginal orgasm debate is incredibly reductionistic!

As the authors of the study indicate, “the oversimplified reduction of orgasmic experiences being ‘all clitoral,’ a view held by some researchers who likely intended to reduce the pressure on women with difficulties experiencing certain or any types of orgasm, has consequences that clinicians and researchers need to take into account. The power of definition should not be underestimated” (para. 5).

I did not previously connect the reductionistic mindset to the hyperfocus of researchers on the ‘clitoral’ versus ‘vaginal’ debate. Previous literature, like Kenneth Mah’s research, has mentioned the reductionistic view of the penis-owner orgasm to only the ejaculatory orgasm. However, as I realized here, despite female orgasmic experience tending to be viewed as more holistic, reductionism runs through many facets of orgasmology research for clitoris-owners too.

What are some other areas where reductionism has influenced the views of the clitoris-owner experience?