No matter how many you've experienced, you still probably have some questions about them. Take a few minutes to test your knowledge about the scientific facts and the social mores of the orgasm.
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Question 2 of 21
In the early part of the 20th century, an idea was floated that the contractions a woman experiences during orgasm served to pull sperm towards her eggs. What was the name of this medical theory?
tally ho theory
retrieval theory
upsuck theory
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It was known as the "upsuck theory," though the name seems more appropriate for a vacuum cleaner than a scientific hypothesis.
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Question 3 of 21
In the later part of the 19th century, for what "disease" did doctors use vibrators to treat women?
menstrual cramps
hysteria
lymphoma
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Many doctors used vibrators as part of the treatment for "hysteria." In England, some of these early vibrators were attached to the ceiling of the examination room.
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Question 4 of 21
What is released in the blood stream during an orgasm?
glucagon
endorphins
cortisol
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When a person has an orgasm, his or her body releases endorphins. Interestingly enough, endorphins are also released when spicy food is consumed.
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Question 5 of 21
In most cases, what does it take for a woman to reach orgasm?
both
vaginal penetration
clitoral stimulation
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Studies have shown that the majority of women need clitoral stimulation to reach climax.
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Question 6 of 21
Approximately how many seconds does the average male's orgasm last?
six
17
two
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A man's orgasm usually lasts about 6 seconds. Short but sweet.
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Question 7 of 21
On average, how many orgasmic contractions do women experience?
four to six
10 to 15
six to 10
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Most women experience six to 10 contractions. Males average four to six contractions.
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Question 8 of 21
When masturbating, do women take longer to reach climax than men do?
same amount of time
yes
no
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It does take women longer to orgasm. Studies have reported different figures for the lengths of time needed -- one common claim is that it can take a woman about four times as long as it takes a man.
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Question 9 of 21
What slogan, published on a leaflet and distributed to schoolchildren by the British National Health Service, caused controversy in 2009?
"An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away."
"Two orgasms are better than one."
"An orgasm is a terrible thing to waste."
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The NHS leaflet advised students that regular sexual activity would help improve cardiovascular health.
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Question 10 of 21
Some women report producing fluid ejaculations during an orgasm. Where do scientists believe this fluid comes from?
ovary
cervix
urethra
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The Skene's glands, located in the walls of the urethra, are believed to sometimes release a fluid in repsonse to certain stimulation.
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Question 11 of 21
Some women can experience orgasms while doing everyday activities like running on the treadmill, riding a bike or, oddly, when brushing their teeth. What causes this?
adrenaline
active imagination
increased blood flow and stimulation of the clitoris
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Doctors believe increased blood flow to genitals and stimulation of the clitoris can induce some women to orgasm when not specifically aiming to do so.
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Question 12 of 21
What is the medical term for not being able to reach orgasm after sexual stimulation?
erectile dysfunction
nullorgasmia
anorgasmia
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Anorgasmia is the disorder of not being able to achieve orgasm after sexual stimulation.
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Question 13 of 21
What was the name of the first vibrator sold in England?
Victorian Backlash
Manipulator
Vibrato
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Needless to say, the steam-powered Manipulator rocked the world of many when it became available for sale in 1870.
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Question 14 of 21
By what body system are orgasms controlled?
cerebral cortex
sympathetic nervous system
parasympathetic system
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The sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system, controls orgasms.
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Question 15 of 21
What is the name of the condition in males where they aren't producing enough testosterone to achieve orgasm?
lacagonadism
hypergonadism
hypogonadism
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Hypogonadism is a medical condition that can, among other effects, significantly impair a man's ability to reach orgasm.
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Question 16 of 21
What was the title of best-selling author Mary Roach's book about sex, orgasms and coupling?
"The Secret Life of Orgasms"
"Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex"
"Stiff"
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"Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex" hit the stands in March of 2008.
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Question 17 of 21
These exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles and are believed to help women who are having difficulty achieving orgasm.
Climaximum exercises
O exercises
Kegel exercises
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Kegel exercises are suggested as a preventative measure for a variety of issues. They may also help women who are having difficulty achieving orgasms.
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Question 18 of 21
Who is more likely to have an orgasm during sex, women in the 18- to 24-year-old range, or women in their 40s and 50s?
younger women
older women
Age isn't a factor.
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According to research conducted by Indiana University, women between the ages of 18 and 24 achieved orgasm 61 percent of the time, while 70 percent of women in their 40s and 50s did.
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Question 19 of 21
How long does it take for most women to achieve an orgasm during sex?
10 to 20 minutes
45 to 55 minutes
five to 10 minutes
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Statistically, it takes women an average of 20 minutes to climax.
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Question 20 of 21
In Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World, what is the name of the adult movies that allow people to physically experience what they see on the screen, including touch, smell and arousal?
climaxers
touchers
feelies
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In Brave New World, adults go to "feelies" as one way to experience sexual stimulation.
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Question 21 of 21
According to the Kama Sutra, how many positions are there for lovemaking?
11
27
64
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According to the Kama Sutra, there are 64 "acts" to help you achieve sexual nirvana.
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