Re: What causes an orgasm to be stronger or involuntary with oxygenedepriveness

Hi Mikael!  First, let me say that I hope that your intersest in this topic 
is purely academic.  There are hundreds, if not thousands of mostly young 
men who die each year due to sexual hypoxia.  The numbers are hard to come 
by due to the embarrassment by the victim's survivors, so the numbers tend 
to be under reported.  There are several hypotheses concerning this topic, 
none of which is the complete answer.  The lack of oxygen, and perhaps the 
build up of carbon dioxide, caused by a restricted amount of blood reaching 
the brain, causes a decrease in the cerebral inhibition of lower centers of 
the brain where sexual activity is controlled.  This is similar to the 
effect of "poppers" (amyl and butyl nitrates).  Another possible 
explanation has to do with the release of endorphins.  As you may know, 
this is a class of naturally ocurring chemicals, some of which act as 
neurotransmitters, that are released during aerobic exercise, perhaps due 
to lowered oxygen &/or elevated carbon dioxide.  They block pain and 
therefore enhance pleasure.  It is well known that they are released during 
orgasm, so they do contribute to a pleasureable feeling.  It is also well 
documented that men who have been hanged in prisons, etc., have generated 
erections, so obviously something chemical is at work. Endorphins 
contribute to a "runner's high" for the same reasons. Sexual hypoxia is 
most common in men but does occur in women as well.  The patterns are 
somewhat different in that men tend to also use other devises (pornography, 
paraphilias, etc) whereas women tend to not use these devices.  The numbers 
are lower for women also. Again, this a VERY DANGEROUS technique to try.  I 
hope my answer helps your understanding.  J. Bridger