From Publishers Weekly
Behind its tongue-in-cheek "plain brown wrapper" cover, this unique book offers a thorough compilation of what modern science, from biomechanics to neurochemistry, knows about the secrets of orgasm. The three coauthors—neuroscientist Komisaruk, endocrinologist Beyers-Flores and sexuality researcher Whipple (coauthor of The G-Spot and Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality)—begin with a short overview of the role of hormones and the nervous system, as well as how the body changes during orgasm. Later chapters go into greater detail, describing the connection between the brain and genitals, and how various factors, from aging and physical condition to drugs, disorders and diseases, affect sexual response and orgasm. While some of the information is fairly common knowledge (the connection between antidepressants and reduced orgasmic response, for example), other topics, such as "phantom" orgasms in men and women with spinal cord injuries, orgasmic "auras" experienced by some epileptics and sexual response in transgendered individuals, provide fascinating glimpses into the complex and subtle interaction of brain and body in this most intimate and euphoric of states. The authors do a good job of keeping technical discussion at or near the layperson's level, and an extensive bibliography provides a wealth of resources for further investigation of this intriguing topic. (Nov.)
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Review
In considerable but lucid detail, three researchers from different fields address every aspect of the science behind orgasms, from why they feel so good to whether transsexual men with surgically created vaginas can have them.
―New Scientist
Approach the book with any question you can conjure about the whys and wherefores of orgasm and you'll receive a minutely detailed answer that incorporates findings from the latest sex research.
―Psychology Today
Behind its tongue-in-cheek 'plain brown wrapper' cover, this unique book offers a thorough compilation of what modern science, from biomechanics to neurochemistry, knows about the secrets of orgasm.
―Publishers Weekly
Those with real faith in science as an exit route from dysfunction might want to check out The Science of Orgasm.
―Elle
The authors cast gimlet eyes over such subjects as multiple and phantom orgasm, as well as the biological process and the effects of various drugs on it. A most stimulating read.
―Gay Times
A neuroscientist, an endocrinologist and a sex researcher team up to create an impressively comprehensive book about orgasms. In intimate detail, authors Barry R. Komisaruk, Carlos Beyer-Flores and Beverly Whipple . . . discuss the history, mechanics, physiology and neurochemistry of this most mysterious of physical events.
―Los Angeles Times
Twenty-five years after she made the G-Spot famous, Professor Beverly Whipple is still probing the mysteries of the female orgasm. She has shifted her focus higher up the body―to the brain―exploring the areas that light up when women climax.
―Sydney Morning Herald
Important information about sexuality . . . Highly recommended.
―Choice
There are very few books on this subject area and the book is highly commended. It is certainly one to add to the personal library of clinicians working in human sexuality.
―Journal of Sexual Relationship and Therapy (UK)
This is a very easy book to read . . . There are very few books on this subject area and the book is highly recommended.
―Kevan R. Wylie, Sexual and Relationship Therapy
A readable comprehensive account on the literature of orgasm. All psychosexual clinics will need to have a copy as well as anyone who advises others about psychosexual problems.
―Nick Dunn, British Journal of Psychiatry
The authors should be congratulated on taking the trouble to produce a readable comprehensive account of the literature on orgasm. All psychosexual clinics will need to have a copy as well as anyone who advises others about psychosexual problems.
―British Journal of Psychiatry
The book deserves its eye-catching title . . . An excellent, well-written assembly of the current scientific understanding of not only the phenomenon of orgasm but of sexual pleasure in general.
―JAMA
Of the many aspects of our sexuality, the unique experience of orgasm remains the most mysterious. This intriguing book sheds light on that mystery and reveals what is known and unknown about the orgasmic process. Anyone with an interest in sexuality should own this book.
―John Bancroft, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction
Destined to be a classic in human sexuality. A comprehensive guide to one of life's greatest pleasures. A must read!
―Hilda Hutcherson, M.D., Columbia University, author of What Your Mother Never Told You About Sex
Orgasms are electrifying and mysterious. Why do orgasms feel so good? What inhibits them? Do men's and women's orgasms differ? How many kinds are there? Does aging affect orgasm? I was delighted to find the answers to these and many more questions in this engaging book. An intriguing read―that just might improve your health and change your life.
―Helen Fisher, Ph.D., author of Why We Love
As someone who has long cared about sexual health, I found this book to be of immense value. Well-written and enjoyable to read, this book lays out the bases for orgasm disorders, sexual problems, the effects of specific illnesses on orgasm, and how drugs and hormones affect the orgasmic process. With refreshing insights into what makes sexuality a healthy and pleasurable life process, this book belongs in the hands of anyone who wants to know more about this integral part of sexual health.
―David Satcher, 16th Surgeon General of the United States
Review
As someone who has long cared about sexual health, I found this book to be of immense value. Well-written and enjoyable to read, this book lays out the bases for orgasm disorders, sexual problems, the effects of specific illnesses on orgasm, and how drugs and hormones affect the orgasmic process. With refreshing insights into what makes sexuality a healthy and pleasurable life process, this book belongs in the hands of anyone who wants to know more about this integral part of sexual health.
-- David Satcher About the Author
Barry R. Komisaruk is Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University.
Carlos Beyer-Flores is head of the Laboratorio CIRA of the University of Tlaxcala and CINVESTAV in Mexico. He is the coauthor of The Science of Orgasm, also published by Johns Hopkins.
Beverly Whipple is a professor emerita at Rutgers University and a certified sexuality educator, counselor, and researcher. She is the coauthor of The Science of Orgasm, also published by Johns Hopkins.
