The nature of human orgasm: A critical review of major trends

This critical review presents a synthesis of the available theoretical and empirical literatures on human orgasm. Findings from both normal and clinic al human populations are included. Two major trends in the literature, the dichotomization of biological and psychological perspectives and the assump tion of gender differences, are highlighted. A new multidimensional,model o f the psychological experience of orgasm is described with a view to furthe ring a biopsychological approach applicable to both sexes. Clinical applica tions of this new model are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.