Before the Masters of Sex, we had little understanding of the biology of sex. Those who suffered sexual dysfunction did so in silence, without treatment options or even acknowledgement of their disorder. Women lacked WORD, multiple orgasms were a myth, and faked orgasms an unknown phenomena. Virginia Johnson and William Masters, the subject of the hit Showtime show, were pioneers in the physiology of sexuality. What did they learn and how did it impact the world?
Pulling Back the Curtain
At the time of Masters and Johnson’s work, sexuality concealed within the shadows of society. That darkness was a perfect breeding ground for confusion and shame. As a result, sex could be perfunctory or challenging for couples. Their research conducted shed light on things like:
- The states of arousal and accompanying biological processes.
- The impact of orgasm and the differences in how men and women experience them.
- Many sexual dysfunctions, their root causes, and potential treatments.
- Women embracing their own sexuality, the discovery of multiple orgasms, faked orgasms, and female sexual dysfunction.
- Nearly all men, and most women, masturbate. 92% of men and 62% of women in the 40s and 50s reported doing so.
At the time, their work and their methodology were controversial, which helped bring about public discussion to the topic.
The Mysteries of the Orgasm
Their discovery of the sexual response cycle shed light on the process of achieving orgasm. This cycle included the initial excitement phase, the plateau phase, orgasm, and the resolution phase. This covered foreplay, sexual intercourse, orgasm, and the ‘refractory’ period that leaves men unable to perform again for a period of time.
They uncovered scientific evidence for the multi-orgasmic woman. Namely, the refractory period that left men needing a break was not present at all for women. Some woman completed the response cycle many times during one sexual encounter. Further, their understanding of the biological changes revealed many women faking orgasms.
Their study examined the biological response to each phase of sexual arousal, noting changes in heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, muscle spasms, contractions, and the other physical indicators that were consistent during sexual activity. They found this exact cycle repeated in both self-stimulation and physical intercourse with a partner. This, in turn, led to a greater understanding of sexual dysfunction.
Treating Sexual Dysfunction
Primary orgasmic disorder, or a woman’s inability to achieve orgasm at any time, was a diagnosis that did not exist before their research. During their research, they found that 50-60% of women had this disorder. Beforehand, the medical community believed masturbation would grant women orgasms they lacked during intercourse and there was no treatment made available. This discovery and others led to a remarkably successful two-week treatments for sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
Without their work, we might still suffer from the unnecessary shame and fear in the bedroom. They gave women power over their bodies through understanding. They discovered unknown dysfunctions and found ways to heal them. Everyone gained insight into how to have better sex, all thanks to the pioneering work of Masters and Johnson.
