I think this ancient stereotype comes from the insatiable vagina. It is, in a way. A woman can go on and on, while men are limited to what their biology can handle.
And as far as the puritans concerned about the poor wife deprived of sex - well, from a female bodied point of view orgasms are important. They relieve pain and other issues with female innards. Also seem to help 'flush out' left over menstrual fluid. As gross as that sounds.

Women are more prone to cramps and migraines which orgasms help relieve.