Orgasm and Pregnancy

Orgasm usually occurs after the stimulation of the genitals or erogenous zones of a man or a woman. It’s the peak of sexual arousal and causes intense feelings of pleasure and tension release. There are several questions that are tied to the role of orgasm other than the feeling of pleasure and bonding; this includes its function in achieving pregnancy likewise its advantages or disadvantages in a pregnant woman.

Is Orgasm important in achieving pregnancy?

Not all women experience orgasm during penetrative sex with their partners. Female orgasms, in comparison with male orgasms are harder to achieve. In fact, a recent study reported that only about 18 percent of women experienced orgasm during penile-vaginal intercourse.

There have been several myths about how orgasms improve one’s chances of achieving pregnancy but they have been proven to be only just myths. Studies have shown that female orgasm is not at all a requirement for pregnancy. A woman can get pregnant even without having an orgasm during sexual intercourse.

Does this mean orgasms are not beneficial for women?

Orgasms have a lot of health benefits for women such as:

• Improving circulation to the pelvic cavity
• Regulation of menstrual cycle
• Promotes healthy reproductive hormone levels
• Induces deep relaxation
• Boosts immunity
• Increases level of oxytocin (the bonding hormone)
• Decreases stress levels

Even though orgasm is not a requirement for achieving pregnancy, many of these benefits that have been listed can make conditions more conducive for conception to occur. For example, a more regular menstrual cycle makes it easy to track ovulation when attemting to get pregnant. Also, the release of oxytocin during orgasm helps to improve the feeling of bonding with a partner and releases stress. Stress especially for a long period of time in women has been shown to negatively affect ovulation and chances of conception.

Is it safe to have orgasms during pregnancy?

Several women show concerns about the impact orgasms might have on their pregnancy. Some fear that having sex and experiencing orgasms might harm the unborn child or even result in early labour. However, all of these concerns have been proven to be myths. It is absolutely safe to have sex during pregnancy as it have been shown to have no association with preterm labor, low birth weight or miscarriages.

You should note that it is however possible that your doctor advises caution or that you totally refrain from sex during pregnancy especially if you are experiencing spotting or have an incompetent cervix.

Are orgasms safe across all trimesters?

A woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes during the first trimester, some women experience increased libido while some experience a decrease. It is easier to achieve an orgasm during the first trimester and it is also very safe. As women progress from the second trimester into the third, it becomes more difficult to achieve an orgasm or even have sex at all due to the increased propulsion of the belly. Some couples also fear inducing a “false labour” due to the contractions that occur during orgasm. As explained above, this worry is unfounded. Even during the third trimester, it is very safe to have sex likewise an orgasm.

A word from Healthfacts

If you are trying to conceive as a woman and have never had an orgasm or rarely do, you have no reason to be worried. Many women have conceived and had children without having an orgasm. Also, for the pregnant women across different trimesters that are bothered about having sex or experiencing an orgasm so as not to harm their unborn babies, there is absolutely no need to worry as long as your doctor does not advise against it.