Differences between the sexes occur in still a third area of sexual response patterns: the ability to experience multiple orgasms. Technically speaking, the term multiple orgasms refers to having more than one orgasmic experience within a short time interval.
Although researchers differ in their views of what constitutes a multiple orgasmic experience, for our own purposes we can say that if a man or woman has two or more sexual climaxes within a short period (a few minutes or less), that person has experienced multiple orgasms. There is, however, a distinction between males and females that is often obscured by such a definition. It is not uncommon for a woman to have several sequential orgasms, separated in time by the briefest of intervals (perhaps only seconds). In contrast, the spacing of male orgasms is typically more protracted. The research of Masters and Johnson demonstrated differences in the capacity of females and males to experience multiple orgasms:
If a female who is capable of having regular orgasms is properly stimulated within a short period after her first climax, she will in most instances be capable of having a second, third, fourth, and even a fifth and a sixth orgasm before she is fully satiated. As contrasted with the male’s usual inability to have more than one orgasm in a short period, many females, especially when clitorally stimulated, can regularly have five or six full orgasms within a matter of minutes. (Masters & Johnson, 1961, p. 792)
Thus, while most women have the capacity for multiple orgasms, research indicates that many women do not routinely experience them. As indicated elsewhere in this book, penile-vaginal intercourse often does not produce sexual stimulation optimal for female orgasm. Furthermore, because of the male’s tendency to stop after his orgasm, women are not likely to continue beyond their initial orgasm. In sharp contrast, several researchers have demonstrated that women who masturbate and those who relate sexually to other women are considerably more likely both to reach initial orgasm and to continue to additional orgasms (Athanasiou et al., 1970; Masters & Johnson, 1966). Finally, the NSSHB survey also revealed that women who engage in a variety of sexual behaviors during partnered sex are more likely to experience multiple orgasms (Her — benick et al., 2010b).
We do not mean to imply that all women should be experiencing multiple orgasms. On the contrary, many women prefer sexual experiences during which they have a single orgasm or perhaps no orgasm at all. The data on multiple orgasmic capacities of women are not meant to be interpreted as the way women "should" respond. This approach could lead to a new kind of arbitrary sexual standard. The following quotation illustrates the tendency to set such standards:
When I was growing up, people considered any young, unmarried woman who enjoyed and sought active sexual involvements to be disturbed or promiscuous. Now I am told that I must have several orgasms each time I make love in order to be considered "normal." What a switch in our definitions of normal or healthy—from the straightlaced, noninvolved person to this incredible creature who is supposed to get it off multiple times at the drop of a hat. (Authors’ files)
As suggested earlier, multiple orgasms are considerably less common among males. They are most often reported by very young men, and their frequency declines with age. It is unusual to find men, even those of college age, who routinely experience more than one orgasm during a single sexual encounter. However, we agree with Alex Comfort (1972), who asserted that most men are probably more capable of multiple orgasms than they realize. Many have been conditioned by years of masturbation to get it over with as quickly as possible to avoid detection. Such a mental set hardly encourages an adolescent to continue experimenting after the initial orgasm. Through later experimentation, though, many men make discoveries similar to the one described in the following personal reflection of a middle-aged man:
Somehow it never occurred to me that I might continue making love after experiencing orgasm. For 30 years of my life, this always signaled endpoint for me.
I guess I responded this way for all the reasons you stated in class and a few more you didn’t cover. My wife was with me the night you discussed refractory periods. We talked about it all the way home, and the next day gave it a try. Man, am I mad at myself now for missing out on something really nice all of these years. I discovered that I could have more than one orgasm in one session, and while it may take me a long time to come again, the getting there is a very nice part. My wife likes it, too! (Authors’ files)
One research study provided information about male multiple orgasmic capacity. In this investigation, 21 men (ages 25 to 69) were interviewed, and all of them stated that they were usually but not always multiply orgasmic. The researchers who conducted this study defined male multiple orgasms as "two or more orgasms with or without ejaculation and without, or with only very limited, detumescence [loss of erection] during one and the same sexual encounter" (Dunn & Trost, 1989, p. 379). The men’s patterns varied, with some men experiencing ejaculation with the first orgasm, followed by more "dry" orgasms. Other men reported having several orgasms without ejaculation followed by a final ejaculatory orgasm. Still others reported variations on these two themes.
It is not necessary for lovemaking always to end with ejaculation. Many men find it pleasurable to continue sexual activity after a climax:
One of the best parts of sex for me is having intercourse again shortly after my first orgasm. I find it is relatively easy to get another erection, even though I seldom experience another climax during the same session. The second time round I can concentrate fully on my partner’s reactions without being distracted by my own building excitement. the pace is generally mellow and relaxed, and it is a real high for me psychologically. (authors’ files)
Thus, multiple orgasms can be seen not as an ultimate goal to be sought above all else but rather as a possible area to explore. A relaxed approach to this possibility can give interested women and men an opportunity to experience more of the full range of their sexual potentials.
Summary
Sexual Arousal and Response
CHAPTER 6