Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Samantha Poulin Dr. Patty Woodward discusses female sexuality in the Hinde Auditorium Thursday [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Samantha Poulin There was quite a turnout for "Where is my Orgasm" talk given by Dr. Patty Woodward. [Click to enlarge]

Answers to questions like what percentage of women fake an orgasm, and why does it take a woman so long to have an orgasm when a man can have one in two minutes or less were answered at the "Where's my Orgasm?" educational workshop in the Hinde Auditorium in the University Union Thursday afternoon.

With an almost full auditorium, a few men could be found sitting among a sea of women as everyone eagerly awaited the beginning of Patty Woodward's interesting workshop.

The atmosphere was very casual and light making it easy to ask questions about sex toys, masturbation and that mysterious thing known as the clitoris.

Through an educational video, the audience learned that women fake orgasms about 72 percent of the time and the reason why it takes women longer to orgasm than men is because women have to get themselves in the mood to make love. Woodward said at least 30 minutes of foreplay is usually required.

Belinda Vanzant, junior health science major and attendee of the workshop said that even though she had a background of the information she still learned a lot.

"I took away the knowledge that you have to be in the mindset for an orgasm, for a woman," she said. "You have to explain to you partner, get me there and then I'll get there. It was very informational."

Woodward, an assistant professor of kinesiology and health science, made a lot of jokes throughout her workshop about different ways to achieve an orgasm, perhaps easing the tension of talking about such a private subject.

"Talking about human sexuality, it makes people more relaxed if they can laugh about it; it's easier to talk," Woodward said.

A surprising number of men sat toward the front of the auditorium and were attentive throughout the workshop.

Matt Scheuman, junior business major and attendee, said he had no idea that women had such trouble having orgasms.

"I decided to go so I could learn as much as I could about the female orgasm because I thought it was as easy and as quick like it is for guys," he said. "It was a funny presentation but also a good learning experience for me."

This over-18 workshop was not only educational but also sent out a positive message, which was to stop worrying about having an orgasm.

"During protected sex, just relax and let it happen," Woodward said. "The more you stress about it, the less likely it's going to happen."


Amber Wertman can be reached at awertman@statehornet.com

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