#977 - Dr Robert King - Why Does The Female Orgasm Exist?

Overview

This episode delves into the evolutionary mysteries of the female orgasm, exploring its biological functions, cultural perceptions, and the factors influencing its occurrence. Dr. Robert King shares insights from his research, challenging misconceptions and highlighting the complexities of human sexuality.

Notable Quotes

- The female orgasm isn't what you think it is. It's not a byproduct; it's a signal of evolutionary selectivity. – Dr. Robert King

- "Women are lucky that way; the ******* has the highest concentration of nerve endings associated with pleasure.* – Dr. Robert King
- *Female sexual selection is the key driver in all primates, and we are no exception."* – Dr. Robert King

🧬 The Evolutionary Debate on Female Orgasm

- Dr. King traces his interest in the topic to a book by Elizabeth Lloyd, which argued that the female orgasm had no evolutionary function—a claim he found deeply flawed.

- He highlights two competing schools of thought: one viewing the female orgasm as a byproduct of evolution, and another suggesting it has adaptive functions, such as increasing fertility.

- Historical research, including the work of Masters and Johnson and the Foxes, revealed physiological mechanisms like uterine contractions during orgasm that may aid sperm transport.

🐾 Lessons from Animal Behavior and Privacy

- Dr. King draws parallels between human and animal mating behaviors, emphasizing the importance of privacy in fostering natural sexual interactions.

- Observations of animals in wildlife parks, where they can retreat from human observation, underscore the limitations of studying sex in artificial lab environments.

🧠 Misconceptions and Cultural Narratives

- Common misunderstandings about the female orgasm include Freud’s theory that women are psychologically broken and the byproduct theory that dismisses its adaptive significance.

- Dr. King critiques cultural narratives that perpetuate these myths, such as the idea that penetrative intercourse cannot lead to orgasm.

- He also explores how societal norms and misinformation have historically interfered with women’s sexual autonomy and pleasure.

💡 Predictors of Female Orgasm

- Key factors influencing female orgasm include:

- Partner’s Smell: A strong predictor linked to genetic compatibility.

- Dominance and Considerateness: Women value a balance of sexual dominance and attentiveness.

- Penetrative Vigor: Girth is often more important than length for physical stimulation.

- Hormonal birth control may alter attraction and potentially impact orgasmic experiences, though more research is needed.

🔥 Female Sexuality, Competition, and Culture

- Female orgasm is deeply tied to sexual selection, with women being highly selective in their partners.

- Dr. King discusses the role of cultural influences, such as the romanticization of dominant male archetypes in media (e.g., Fifty Shades of Grey).

- He highlights the subtle and often overlooked dynamics of female-female competition, including behaviors like venting (gossip disguised as concern) and the use of sexual signals to secure high-value mates.