The female orgasm may act as a mate choice mechanism for selecting genetically superior or investing partners.
Oxytocin released during sexual arousal aids in bonding and may increase the probability of conception.
Female orgasms are more likely with dominant and masculine male partners, influencing female mate choice.
Deep dives
Female Orgasm: A Mystery Revealed
The female orgasm has long puzzled researchers, with questions arising about its purpose. One hypothesis suggests it may serve as a mate choice mechanism, assisting in selecting genetically superior partners or long-term investing partners. Evidence suggests that orgasms may increase the probability of conception, implying dual functions. Emotional connection and partner closeness also influence the likelihood of orgasm, pointing towards a complex evolutionary role.
Oxytocin and Female Orgasm
Oxytocin, released during sexual arousal and particularly after orgasm, is linked to bonding behaviors in some mammals. Studies indicate oxytocin's role in moving sperm towards the uterus, potentially aiding in fertilization. The release of oxytocin may enhance emotional closeness between partners, highlighting its relevance in female reproductive processes.
Male Dominance and Female Orgasm Success
Research reveals that women are more likely to achieve orgasm with partners who exhibit traits of dominance and masculinity. Higher levels of masculinity in male partners correlate with an increased likelihood and timing of female orgasm during sexual activity. These findings support the theory of female mate choice influenced by dominant male characteristics.
Evolutionary Significance of Male Aggression
Male-male aggression in human evolution has played a pivotal role in influencing traits related to dominance, physical strength, and competitiveness. Traits such as larger body size, muscularity, and robust skeletal features are linked to historical male-male competition for mating opportunities. Competitive behaviors have been intertwined with mating strategies and mate choice mechanisms throughout human evolutionary history.
Voice Pitch and Dominance Perception in Males
The podcast delves into the impact of voice pitch on dominance perception in males. Research indicates that men tend to modulate their voice pitch based on perceived dominance over competitors. In scenarios where individuals rate themselves as superior fighters, they lower their pitch to signal dominance. Conversely, those who perceive themselves as weaker boost their pitch to convey submission, reflecting how voice pitch signals status, authority, and confidence.
Sex Hormones and Behavioral Influence Studies
The episode explores ongoing studies on the effects of sex hormones on psychology and behavior. Investigations focus on individuals with low sex hormone levels and their psychological traits. Additionally, studies track women's psychology, behavior, and vocal changes throughout the ovulatory cycle. Further research involves cross-cultural and cross-species comparisons on voice pitch influences on perceptions of attractiveness and dominance.
David Puts is a Professor of Anthropology at Penn State whose research focuses on the evolution and development of human sexuality and sex differences.
Apparently women orgasm. Why they do it however, has been a mystery for a long time. They don't need to in order to get pregnant. And sometimes they don't do it at all, for ages. So what use is the female orgasm, and what predicts the sort of partner who'll make it happen?
Expect to learn if the female orgasm is just a gatekeeper for oxytocin, whether more dominant male faces predicted earlier orgasm, why men competed for women through contests rather than sexual selection, how male-male aggression, not female selection drove the evolved differences between men and women, whether you can tell a person's personality from their voice pitch and much more...
