This story made headlines. A classical music concert was disrupted by an exceptional event: a powerful orgasm felt by one of the listeners. To better understand this phenomenon, Top Santé interviewed Doctor of Psychology and sexologist Sébastien Garnero.
During a concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in late April, a woman attending the show reportedly had a music-induced orgasm. This unexpected event is audible in the recording of the concert, the excerpt from which has gone viral on social networks.
Top Santé interviewed Dr. Garnero to take stock of the music related orgasms. He informs us that “It is extremely rare for a person to have a sexual orgasm just from listening to music, without having any other external physical stimulation.“. He explains to us that this phenomenon is more frequent when there are at the same time stimulation on the erogenous zones or contractions of the pelvic and pelvic muscles or if it is complemented by the mental visualization of a fantasy. He is pointing out that : “The orgasmic sexual response generally includes four main phases: 1) arousal, 2) plateau, 3) orgasm, and 4) resolution. There music could have an amplifying effect during the excitement and plateau phases”.
What is the so-called “skin orgasm”?
Some people, when they listen to a piece, feel a sensation of chills or goosebumps. Can this cause a strong enjoyment, even an orgasm? The expert answers:The skin orgasm is a sensual sensory reaction very pleasant which can be triggered by non-sexual stimulation (listening to music, touch…). These experiences can generate shivers, tingles, or even pleasurable sensations felt by the skin, but this should not be compared to an orgasm, as they differ in their origin and nature.“. Dr. Garnero points out that the sensations felt during a sexual orgasm are specific to sexual activity and involve specific physical responses, while “musical thrills or skin orgasms” are typically triggered by non-sexual stimulation and have different neurophysiological mechanisms, linked to emotions and greater sensitivity: “Some people may experience intense pleasure, but this is not equivalent to the sexual orgasmic dimension.e”.
Are there melodies more likely to trigger skin orgasms?
Studies have shown physiological reactions to listening to the musicas well as its ability to affect emotions. We asked the expert to tell us if there are melodies more likely to trigger skin orgasms. He confides to us:Music is strongly influenced by culture, listening, exposure or practice. Each person will be more or less sensitive to certain melodies which will sometimes be associated with more or less vivid and intense life events and emotions. “Since sexuality is also something very intimate and personal, what may be stimulating for one person may not be for another.“. However, Dr. Garnero emphasizes the role that certain music plays in sexual rapprochement: ” The melodies that have a rhythmic or polyrhythmic approach and low frequencies associated with what musicians call the sway or the “Groove”, these provide a desire to dance, to move. This aspect of rhythmic music, being specific to all dance music, promotes rapprochement and seduction in the body to body”.
Is it necessary to be a music lover (music lover) to feel a “musical orgasm”?
Music has the power to evoke emotions and sensations in most people, but is climax or skin orgasm reserved exclusively for music lovers? The expert reassures us: “It is not at all necessary to be a music lover, or a lover of music to feel a intense pleasure listening to music or to experience experiences sensory intense“. However, specify that:From a neural point of view, it is also obvious that the musical brain of a music lover will tend to feel intense pleasure more easily due to more refined training in all musical sound stimuli.x”.
Dr. Garnero reminds us that although scientifically, orgasm is well known and documented: “The orgasmic experience remains subjective and varies considerably from one person to another in terms of feeling. Thus, the singular individual experiences, pertaining to the extraordinary, therefore not very generalizable on the scientific level“.
What other effects does music have on the body?
The psychologist explains to us that music can have multiple effects on the body and mind, both psychologically, emotionally and physiologically. He tells us about the positive effects music can have on the body and mind:
- In terms of emotions : music allows you to feel contrasting and varied emotions: joy, sadness, excitement, nostalgia, relaxation, etc.
- Reduction and lowering of anxiety and stress : Listening to relaxing music can help reduce stress, calm the mind, and promote a feeling of well-being.
- Improved morale and mood : cheerful and joyful, dynamic and catchy music can stimulate the production of various neurotransmitters (dopamine, endorphin…) which can improve mood, morale, and motivation.
- It leads to a better regulation and neurophysiological response of the autonomic nervous system : it causes changes in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing…
- Better relaxation and reduction of muscle tension and psychic : Listening to soothing music can help limber up and relax muscles, helps reduce physical tension.
- Music improves concentration and motivation : helps to concentrate, to motivate oneself and to improve cognitive and athletic performance (mental preparation, training).
- Memory strengthening : by associating it with memories, positive experiences, can help to reinforce the affective/emotional memory.
- Better expressiveness and creativity: it stimulates self-expression, creativity, emotional communication, and affective sharing.