Scientists find a man who can “see the colors” of an orgasm 01:40

Iranian scientists from Sabzevar Medical University studied the phenomenon of synesthesia in a patient who experienced bright bursts of color during orgasm and whiteness during chest pain. The study was published in the scientific journal broadcasting Iranian Journal of Psychiatry (IJPS).

Synesthesia is a rare neurological phenomenon in which stimulation of one sense involuntarily activates another. For example, some people see colors when they hear music or taste flavors when they read words. Today, it is believed that about 4% of the world’s population has some form of synesthesia.

The subject of the new study was a 31-year-old man identified as R. He told doctors that he experienced a sudden change in his vision at the moment of orgasm during sexual intercourse. According to the patient, at that moment he saw objects very sharply and brightly, and everything around him was colored in shades of pink. Even in the dark room, the surroundings seemed to be bathed in morning light.

After consulting with specialists, R. learned about the phenomenon of synesthesia. He remembered that in his youth he suffered from attacks of severe chest pain caused by mitral valve prolapse. When he felt worse, the pain was accompanied by a sensation of whiteness.

The team subjected the man to a series of tests to assess his visual organization and imagery. The diagnosis revealed no abnormalities in visual perception. The scientists diagnosed the patient with synesthesia, realizing that the case involved two particularly rare forms.

There are over 150 documented types of synesthesia, each with unique characteristics. Common forms include seeing colors when perceiving sounds or associating certain tastes with certain words. However, experiences such as color pain and color orgasm are among the rarest, reported in only a small percentage of cases.

The scientists also looked into whether R.’s experiences affected his sexual satisfaction. Previous research has suggested that synesthesia during sexual activity can affect the overall sexual experience, potentially enhancing some aspects and weakening others.

For example, one study cited in the case report found that women with synesthesia may experience increased sexual desire, but also decreased sexual engagement with their partners due to greater immersion in the synesthesia experience.

In R’s case, however, her sexual life was unaffected by colored orgasms and she did not report any dysfunction or dissatisfaction.

Scientists have previously appealed A musician who begins to “see” music after a traumatic brain injury.