Pioneers in sexual science research are proving the healing power of pleasure, but societal conditioning still prevents the normalization of female bodily autonomy.
Reproductive justice, a hot topic in the American political climate, speaks about more than women's right to choose reproductive freedoms. It illuminates some of society's most ingrained prejudices about sexual expression, healing, and liberation. Despite studies in clinical environments demonstrating the vital nature of sexuality for women's health, pervasive misconceptions are preventing eroticism from shedding its taboo label. Scientists fighting to support emerging healing modalities centered around sexuality demonstrate admirable courage and determination to dismantle belief systems that prevent women's empowerment on a global scale.
The topic of reproductive justice has now expanded from a discussion on contraception and abortion to include free sexual expression and pleasure. The idea that women's health and their sexuality are intrinsically tied is gaining acceptance in the scientific community and feminist movements. Although the earliest humans have been capable of having sex and seeking out pleasure, very little is understood about sex's capacity to heal. Pioneering research scientist Nicole Prause, PhD, has been bravely navigating this unexplored realm despite the backlash she and many others have received. Formerly trained at the Kinsey Institute and a faculty member of UCLA, Dr. Prause has founded Liberos, an independent research institute, and conducted multiple studies on sexual science. She has documented how sexual desire augments brain stimulation and the intricacies of sex addiction and also delved into the fascinating realm of Orgasmic Meditation (OM), a therapeutic practice introduced by author and OneTaste founder Nicole Daedone.
From Dr. Prause's perspective, sex is a medicine that culture has stigmatized and shunned as an acceptable way to achieve personal growth and healing. Society—specifically women—has also been misinformed about how to apply this medicine, which is why Dr. Prause's goal is to leverage rigorous research to help sex become an accepted treatment in modern healthcare. "Our bodies contain tremendous and vital healing capacities within them, but we miss out on these opportunities because we have stigmatized sexuality," states Dr. Prause.
While it may seem unrealistic, the scientific findings on sexual pleasure and desire clearly display the medical value of these practices. It's common knowledge that having more orgasms can translate to a happier life. However, most people don't understand how beneficial a healthy sex life is for the body. More orgasms can improve immune function, reduce stress and pain, lead to better sleep, and potentially reduce the risk for certain cancers.
What's even more surprising is how much deeper sex's role in physical and emotional health goes. Dr. Prause's research into OM showcased how clitoral stimulation challenges historical perceptions of sexual functioning in childhood abuse victims. In addition to producing feelings of intense happiness, stimulating a sense of connectedness, and reducing anger and anxiety, OM also helped people with sexual trauma feel more arousal than those with positive sexual experiences. These findings demonstrate the power of pleasure in orchestrating women's empowerment and flourishing.
Nicole Daedone, OneTaste founder and creator of OM, shares her perspective on the idea of reproductive justice and sexual liberation. "We talk about women's empowerment like it's out there, but it's in here," she says. "It's in the body, and it's opening up this idea and shifting it from the idea that something is wrong with me to something is profoundly right with me."
Due to the lack of female representation in science and research, studies on sex and pleasure have sometimes perpetuated prejudice and hate. Throughout her career, Dr. Prause has been the target of many unsolicited and vicious attacks, including a physical assault. Despite these traumatic events, Dr. Prause remains steadfast in her commitment to uncovering the mystery of sex, desire, and women's health.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that protected abortion rights, the idea of reproductive justice has never been more relevant. The intensification of partisan politics worries many American women about the security of bodily autonomy. In a day and age where protected freedoms like abortion have now come under fire, it seems as though anything can happen. Visionaries like Dr. Prause are hoping to fight against the status quo that prevents women from owning their bodies.
However, the battle to bring sex as a form of medicine into healthcare is far from over. Even when institutional science turns conventional thought on its head, prejudice may still persevere. For sex to be associated with healing and expression, society must unpack its tendency to infringe upon women's bodily autonomy. We cannot talk about women's rights without talking about women's sexual health and freedom of expression.
