Introduction to Periorgasmic Phenomena
A new study reveals that some women experience a range of physical and emotional reactions during orgasm, including laughter, nosebleeds, tears, headaches, and even hallucinations. These reactions, collectively referred to as periorgasmic phenomena, have been characterized for the first time in this study.
The Study’s Findings
The study, published in the Women’s Health Journal, found that 2.3% of participants reported experiencing these pleasure-related symptoms. The lead author of the study emphasized the importance of raising awareness of periorgasmic phenomena to normalize the spectrum of female sexual responses. Women need to know that they are not alone if they experience uncontrollable laughter or other unusual reactions during orgasm.
Methodology
To collect data, the researchers published a short video detailing periorgasmic phenomena and asked women to answer an anonymous survey with six questions about their experiences. About 3,800 women watched the video and responded to the survey. Of the 86 respondents who reported experiencing periorgasmic phenomena, 61% reported physical symptoms and 88% reported emotional reactions.
Physical Symptoms
More than half of the women who experienced periorgasmic phenomena reported multiple symptoms. The physical symptoms reported by survey participants include:
- Headache (33%)
- Muscle weakness (24%)
- Foot pain/tingling (19%)
- Facial pain/itching/tingling (6%)
- Sneezing (4%)
- Yawning (3%)
- Ear pain/other ear sensations (2%)
- Nosebleeds (2%)
Emotional Reactions
The emotional reactions reported by survey participants include:
- Crying (63%)
- Sadness or urge to cry after a positive sexual experience (43%)
- Laughter (43%)
- Hallucinations (4%)
Frequency and Triggers
The majority of women (69%) reported that their orgasms included these experiences occasionally, while 17% experienced them regularly. For more than half of those surveyed, these symptoms only occurred during sexual activity with a partner. However, 9% reported symptoms while masturbating, and 14% while using a vibrator.
Importance of Orgasms
Orgasms, with or without periorgasmic phenomena, are vital to women’s overall well-being. Regular orgasm contributes to improved psychological and physical functioning, releasing feel-good chemicals that strengthen the bond between partners and promote mental health.
Increasing Orgasmic Potential
For those who want to increase their own orgasmic potential, exercises such as tantric breathing, self-stimulation, or using cannabis may be helpful. A 2024 study found that cannabis can help women achieve more frequent and satisfying orgasms. By understanding and embracing the complexity of female orgasms, women can work towards a more fulfilling and healthy sex life.
