Orgasm vs sexual pleasure

One controversial topic within the sexologic sciences is the never-ending debate surrounding the significance of orgasm and pleasure, particularly in clinical contexts and assessment of sexual quality of life. A range of scientific literature—spanning biology, psychology, medicine, history, anthropology, philosophy, sociology, and theology—seeks to elucidate the role that orgasm, specifically the male one (stereotypically achieved through vaginal penetration), plays in terms of reproduction.1-3 This biopsychosocial perspective likely influenced researchers in the mid-1950s who were involved in developing DSM-I, the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.4 It is interesting to note that female sexual dysfunctions were historically viewed as forms of psychopathology,5 due to the female impediment toward reproduction. In this context, clitoral sexuality was seen as a behavior that could lead to neurosis and social isolation. The attempt to reconcile the different views on female pleasure came with the definition of the clitourethrovaginal complex.6 This finding helped bridge the gap between vaginal orgasm, seen as more “mature,” and clitoral pleasure, viewed as more “infantile” in the Freudian orthodoxy.