The nature of orgasm: what happens inside
Years of researching orgasms led scientists to ask a new question: do people with disabilities experience sexual pleasure? For decades, there was a logical opinion that damaged spinal cords make orgasm impossible. However, researcher Marcalee Sipski questioned this idea. Her private practice in rehabilitation medicine revealed that many paralyzed patients could still have orgasms. Sipski’s willingness to study this question was promising. The results could benefit people with physical limitations and help us understand how orgasm works.
Observing people with paralysis, Sipski concluded that the inability to feel sexual pleasure can only happen if the spine is entirely damaged. But as long as the disease does not disrupt the work of the sacral reflex arc, which is part of the autonomic nervous system, orgasm remains possible. That means sexual reactions, like breathing or heartbeat, are under autonomous control and occur unconsciously. People with paralysis may experience orgasms, menstrual pain, or appendicitis discomfort because spinal injuries disturb the somatic nervous system rather than the autonomic nervous system.
The women who took part in Sipski’s research reported that by stimulating the clitoris, they felt an orgasm not only there but throughout the body. They experienced a range of sensations, supporting the idea that orgasm is an internal state.
Amazingly, paralyzed people can develop alternative erogenous zones. It means they do not always need to stimulate the clitoris itself. One of the participants in Sipski’s study reported that she experienced an orgasm when she applied the vibrator to her neck and breasts. Such discoveries demonstrate the human body’s unique ability to overcome even the most challenging situations. It also gives people with physical limitations hope for a satisfactory sexual relationship. After all, orgasm provides a necessary release, which reduces stress and makes people happier.