# Is there an Orgasm drug? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 25, 2007, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015 "2007-10-25T19:21:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![diggleblop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/21 "2007-10-26T03:54:12Z")
Heroin. ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/22 "2007-10-26T05:07:59Z")
[QUOTE=Belrix] As for crack, I guess I have no idea what it’s like. If it’s like an orgasm, I guess I know why it’s addictive. [/QUOTE] I’ve heard several people compare it to an orgasm. Then again, I’ve known many others who had the same experience I did the one time that I tried it - it’s weaker than what you’d feel from a few cups of strong coffee. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/23 "2007-10-26T05:33:35Z")
> [@](#): > > You may be thinking of Clomipramine, of which one side effect was that patients would have spontaneous orgasm when they yawned. (The men took to wearing condoms around all the time.) Which is odd (though true), because Clomipramine is used to increase latency before orgasm in men with premature ejaculation. ---
**Author:** ![jackelope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a6a055/32.png) [@jackelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackelope)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/24 "2007-10-26T06:05:51Z")
[QUOTE=Shoshana] Which is odd (though true), because Clomipramine is used to increase latency before orgasm in men with premature ejaculation. [/QUOTE] Well, sure; who yawns while they’re having sex? (There is no prize for answering “my ex-husband/ex-wife/etc.”) ---
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/25 "2007-10-26T06:10:30Z")
[QUOTE=Shoshana] Which is odd (though true), because Clomipramine is used to increase latency before orgasm in men with premature ejaculation. [/QUOTE] I guess they figure that, if you’re in the middle of sex and you yawn, it’s about time you finished up, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/26 "2007-10-26T07:32:26Z")
[QUOTE=jackelope] Well, sure; who yawns while they’re having sex? (There is no prize for answering “my ex-husband/ex-wife/etc.”) [/QUOTE] Only if she wakes up halfway through. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/27 "2007-10-26T07:49:04Z")
What Jackalope said. It would probably be a sin anyway. ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/28 "2007-10-26T10:22:43Z")
There is an _Orgasmatron_ - an surgically implanted spinal stimulator for women. The particular area of the spinal column was discovered by a surgeon testing an electrical pain blocking device. One of his patients told him “it doesn’t stop the pain, but can you teach my husband to do that…” The fact that it requires surgery on the spinal column has restricted approval/uptake. And then there was the woman in the UK who collapsed while shopping in a supermarket. Paramedics could not revive her until they removed the still working mini-vibe from her panties :smack: In fact, when you think about it, it’s men who have the short straw ( 😃 ) in this regard. It’s never discrete, and you need tissues. Si ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/29 "2007-10-26T12:44:38Z")
OK, serious question… Since I suffer from _gran mal_ impotence, can I get the orgasm thing implanted in my spine? Does it have any legitimate medical use? ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/30 "2007-10-26T12:56:47Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] OK, serious question… Since I suffer from _gran mal_ impotence, can I get the orgasm thing implanted in my spine? Does it have any legitimate medical use? [/QUOTE] As I recall, the research was actually aimed at women. From Wikipedia, under Orgasmatron - Non Fictional Orgasmatron [QUOTE=Wikipedia] **Surgically implanted devices** The first recorded clinical attempt to design a working orgasmatron device had some limited success. The device is a sort of function generator manufactured by Advanced Medical Electronics Corporation (AME Corp.) and requires the terminals to be surgically inserted into the spinal cord. Medical reports from Winston-Salem, N.C. in 2004-2005 describe the device as being of great potential in treating sexual-dysfunction in women. [/QUOTE] You may wish to contact AME, but I see the words _of great potential_ in that blurb - I suspect that YMMV. Si ---
**Author:** ![chowder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/31 "2007-10-26T12:57:42Z")
[QUOTE=si\_blakely] There is an _Orgasmatron_ - an surgically implanted spinal stimulator for women. The particular area of the spinal column was discovered by a surgeon testing an electrical pain blocking device. One of his patients told him “it doesn’t stop the pain, but can you teach my husband to do that…” The fact that it requires surgery on the spinal column has restricted approval/uptake. And then there was the woman in the UK who collapsed while shopping in a supermarket. Paramedics could not revive her until they removed the still working mini-vibe from her panties :smack: In fact, when you think about it, it’s men who have the short straw ( 😃 ) in this regard. It’s never discrete, and you need tissues. Si [/QUOTE] I do believe she insisted they replace it after renewing the batteries. 😛 She was later found slumped over the fresh fish cabinet moaning “But I’m not a lesbian” ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/32 "2007-10-26T14:13:12Z")
[QUOTE=neutron star (re: crack)] I’ve heard several people compare it to an orgasm. Then again, I’ve known many others who had the same experience I did the one time that I tried it - it’s weaker than what you’d feel from a few cups of strong coffee. [/QUOTE] That’s about how I’d describe it, except add in a really short temper. I wouldn’t give you a nickel a pound for the stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/33 "2007-10-26T14:34:45Z")
[QUOTE=si\_blakely] In fact, when you think about it, it’s men who have the short straw ( 😃 ) in this regard. It’s never discrete, and you need tissues. [/QUOTE] In all seriousness I would argue this point. I’ve a friend whose husband had prostate cancer. His was removed. He no longer produced semen at all. ( As we all know, the testicles do not produce semen, the prostate gland does). After a year or so he was in fact able to orgasm. He never ejaculated again, but said the orgasms were very intense. So, one does not require the other. Cartooniverse ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/34 "2007-10-26T14:46:33Z")
[QUOTE=Cartooniverse] In all seriousness I would argue this point. I’ve a friend whose husband had prostate cancer. His was removed. He no longer produced semen at all. ( As we all know, the testicles do not produce semen, the prostate gland does). [/QUOTE] For shame… > **[Semen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semen)** > > Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is a bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa from the male gonads of animals. In humans and placental mammals, seminal fluid is ejaculated through the penis via the urethra. This fluid contains proteolytic and other enzymes as well as fructose, which together promote the survival of spermatozoa and provide a medium through which they can move (or "swim") from the vagina into the uterus and to the fallopian tubes, where they can fertilize the female ovum and for... Prostate only makes about 30% of the fluid in semen, most comes from the seminal vesicles. ---
**Author:** ![si\_blakely](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d9b06d/32.png) [@si\_blakely](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/si_blakely)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/35 "2007-10-26T14:46:34Z")
[QUOTE=Cartooniverse] In all seriousness I would argue this point. I’ve a friend whose husband had prostate cancer. His was removed. He no longer produced semen at all. ( As we all know, the testicles do not produce semen, the prostate gland does). After a year or so he was in fact able to orgasm. He never ejaculated again, but said the orgasms were very intense. So, one does not require the other. Cartooniverse [/QUOTE] Of course thats true, but I am not prepared to have my prostate removed (and risk sexual function) just to have dry orgasms. And you can train yourself to have a retrograde ejaculation, too (where the semen goes into the bladder not the urethra). But that isn’t easy to get right either, and doesn’t actually seem worth the bother. And it does not address the real issue (heh) I was raising in my post. A woman can (with suitable mechanical assistance) have a discrete, hands free orgasm. A man can’t. Si ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/36 "2007-10-26T16:26:07Z")
Wouldn’t a woman having “hands-free discrete orgams” tend to become a bit splashy herself? Especially given repeat performances? ---
**Author:** ![Belrix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed655f/32.png) [@Belrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Belrix)\ **Post date:** [October 26, 2007, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/37 "2007-10-26T16:57:38Z")
If we accept that there may be a market for this mythical drug, is it possible? I’m not sure how drugs work in general but is there a single “switch” to cause an orgasm or is some vast, complex, cascading series of events that results in the happy event? I remember something about electrical probes in rat brains that made them have orgasms. They pressed the switch for that so much they starved to death. That seems to imply there’s an “orgasm switch” somewhere in the gray meat that might be tickled pharmacologically. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2007, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/38 "2007-10-27T18:39:30Z")
[QUOTE=drachillix] For shame… > **[Semen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semen)** > > Semen, also known as seminal fluid, is a bodily fluid that contains spermatozoa from the male gonads of animals. In humans and placental mammals, seminal fluid is ejaculated through the penis via the urethra. This fluid contains proteolytic and other enzymes as well as fructose, which together promote the survival of spermatozoa and provide a medium through which they can move (or "swim") from the vagina into the uterus and to the fallopian tubes, where they can fertilize the female ovum and for... Prostate only makes about 30% of the fluid in semen, most comes from the seminal vesicles. [/QUOTE] I squat corrected. ---
**Author:** ![Freudian\_Slit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/39 "2007-10-27T19:09:24Z")
[QUOTE=AHunter3] Wouldn’t a woman having “hands-free discrete orgams” tend to become a bit splashy herself? Especially given repeat performances? [/QUOTE] That’s a good way of putting it. My splashiness is contained to my underoos, but things might get…ah…all sticky down there. I’m going to refer to my lubrication as splashy or splashiness from now on, **AHunter3**. ---
**Author:** ![11811](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/1/9d8465/32.png) [@11811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/11811)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2007, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015/40 "2007-10-27T22:53:00Z")
[QUOTE=Belrix] Seems with all the custom pharmacology out there, there’d be a way to trigger an orgasm on demand. What a high that would be - I always feel great after one - seems like there’d be a huge market for this. I’ve never heard of one so I’m assuming there isn’t. Why not? [/QUOTE] Slight hijack: The rumor of such a drug inspired the album Sex Packet by Digital Underground [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-orgasm-drug/424015.md?page=3)