First stirrings: cultural notes on orgasm, ejaculation, and wet dreams

J Sex Res. 2007 May;44(2):122-34. doi: 10.1080/00224490701263595.

Abstract

Both the findings and the limitations of numeric milestone research in sexology have a bearing on the pedagogical status of pleasure, as well as the cultural underpinnings of the notion of a psychosexual milestone. An overview is offered of international data pertaining to the chronology of three "milestones" in sexual autobiography: first orgasm (orgasmarche), first ejaculation (oigarche), and first wet dream (nocturnal emission). Methodological problems associated with the measurement of these variables are discussed. These problems are then situated in a culturalist perspective. It is concluded that orgasms are cultural artifacts in terms of their chronological occurrence as well as perceived salience, necessity, and "age appropriateness".

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coitus*
  • Cultural Characteristics*
  • Dreams*
  • Ejaculation*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Libido
  • Male
  • Masturbation
  • Orgasm*
  • Puberty*
  • Sex Factors