New Book Discusses The Science of Orgasm

Sex and Orgasm In Women

A Rutgers College of Nursing emerita faculty member has co-authored a book that explains, for the first time, the complex biological process behind orgasm.

"The Science of Orgasm," co-authored by Beverly Whipple, professor emerita, at the College of Nursing at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, offers a thorough compilation of what modern science, from biomechanics to neurochemistry, knows about the secrets of orgasm. It is written for the general public as well as for professionals.

"I wrote this book because no one had approached the topic from a holistic view with the neurophysiology and endocrinology as well as the effects of diseases, medication and other concerns on orgasm," said Whipple, a Voorhees, N.J. resident.

The 338-page book, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, is in its second printing after its release in late October.

Behind its "plain brown wrapper" cover, the book begins with a short overview of the role of hormones and the nervous system, as well as how the body changes during orgasm. Later chapters go into greater detail, describing the connection between the brain and genitals, and how various factors, from aging and physical condition to drugs, disorders and diseases, affect sexual response and orgasm.

Whipple's research focused on women's health issues and the sexual physiology of women. She is the co-author of the international bestseller, "The G Spot and Other Recent Discoveries about Human Sexuality," which has been translated into 19 languages and was re-published as a classic 23 years later in 2005. She has co-authored three additional books and written more than 160 research articles and book chapters.