The Functions of the Orgasms: The Highways to Transcendence

Synopsis: ‘Fetus ejection reflex’, ‘milk ejection reflex’, ‘sperm ejection reflex’, ‘orgasmogenic cocktail’ . . . These are examples of terms used by Michel Odent in his study of the ecstatic/orgasmic states associated with different episodes of human sexual life. This book about male and female orgasms is an opportunity to convince anyone that humanity is at a turning point. Due to the improved technique of medically assisted conceptions and cesareans, the advances in anesthesiology and pharmacology, and the development of the food industry, women can now conceive a baby, give birth and feed their infant without relying on the release of ‘cocktails of love hormones’. Human intelligence and ingenuity have made love hormones redundant. Let us think long-term and let us raise questions in terms of civilization. The future of humanity is at stake.

Reviews: "Odent's [book] is a stylish polemic that mixes endocrinology, comparative anthropology, philology, anecdotes from the author's own medical practice." Steven Poole, The Guardian

"If you've wondered why you walked away from birth and felt cheated, if you've struggled with breastfeeding, this book makes perfect sense of your disillusionment or feelings of 'disconnect'. It reignites our most fundamental needs and expectations as sexual beings. This book is worth buying for the last two pages alone: a Dear John letter, where a woman states her plans for their 'natural' wedding night. I roared with laughter, because it shows how clearly, even in the natural birthing movement, we're so far removed from what is natural. I can't recommend this book highly enough." Veronika Sophia Robinson, The Mother