Researchers have researched, studies have studied, and scientists have attempted to apply science in a bid to understand the amazingness of the female orgasm.
The female orgasm is a huge area of interest, and it’s not hard to see why.
A woman’s body is a hot map of pleasure, complete with a plethora of erogenous zones that, once stimulated, can provide an individual with multiple ways of experiencing climax. So if you have a vulva, you are one lucky thing!
Exploring and experimenting can result in hours of fun with the outcome varying from mild pulsations in the pussy all the way through to head to toe, body trembling, and toe-curling out of body encounters.
Through the dedication of sex researchers such as William Masters and Virginia Johnson back in the 1950s, a four-step model giving an overview of what happens during female orgasms, was created. And whilst some of the research that followed have challenged the model, it is still useful in that it acts as a basic indication of what one could expect.
The original Masters and Johnson model detailed the following stages of sexual response:
1. Excitement: Arousal and desire begins to build once sexual stimulation has begun. Blood rushes to the vagina, clitoris and nipples and an increase in dopamine and serotonin floods the brain.
2. Plateau: The vagina continues to become engorged with blood. Heart rate and blood pressure increase, and so does breathing. Sexual tension is now mounting.
3. Orgasm: The vagina, the pelvic floor muscles and the uterus contract. The contractions can spread through the body along with a warm, feel-good sensation.
4. Resolution: This is where the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing return to normal, and the body relaxes.
Some of the criticism levied against the model, and its supporting notes includes the comparison of vaginal lubrication to that of the penile erection. However, it is now understood that the clitoris makes for a more likely comparison as it is a much bigger structure once realised and absolutely full of erectile tissue.
The reality that women are more likely to want to continue to be stimulated once they are fully aroused leads to questioning whether the Excitement phase and Plateau phase work in reverse for women.
And probably one of the biggest pushbacks is that the model suggests one has to move through all stages before starting over. Yet, research has proven that a woman can find herself back at stage 2 immediately after stage 3 without going through stage 4 – the Resolution stage.
Different female orgasm techniques
One thing that hasn’t left much room for debate is the fact that women can experience orgasms in many different ways.
Thanks to research and the increase in women candidly sharing sexual encounters, it is now widely understood that roughly 75% of women are unable to orgasm through penetration alone.
Unfortunately, the narrative that orgasm through penetration is the only way to go still finds itself embedded in many people’s minds.
For the most part, the fallout of the shift in understanding means this very archaic and somewhat misogynistic perspective on the female orgasm belongs firmly in the bin!
As a result of our newfound awareness, the clitoral orgasm is now the one that tends to get the most attention and praise.
There are several other exciting ways a woman can achieve orgasm.
Below are just a few female orgasm techniques and tips:
1. Clitoral orgasm: the current forerunner in the pleasure stakes!
To achieve this type of orgasm, you need to establish what type of clitoral stimulation suits you best.
It could be direct or indirect stimulation, firm or gentle strokes or even a fast or slow motion.
It could also be a mixture of the above.
Finding the kind of stimulation you like and doing that is key here.
2. G spot orgasm: also known as the squirting orgasm
Despite some debate around whether this spot actually exists, this area located on the front vaginal wall is magical for many women.
If stimulated correctly, the climax achieved can be mind-blowing.
The G spot can be accessed with fingers, a toy or a penis. If attempting a G spot orgasm through intercourse, finding the right position is crucial.
Rear entry and cowgirl are two popular ones because they allow direct stimulation of the spot.
In fact, it is the outcome of successful G spot stimulation which can lead to the belief that penetration is the only way a woman can orgasm.
3. Nipplegasm: good for those that enjoy breast and nipple play
Whilst many women enjoy the feeling of their breasts/nipples being played with, it is not always something that is done with the aim of achieving an orgasm.
The truth is oxytocin is released through nipple play which in turn prompts an increase in blood flow to the genital area. This could trigger an orgasm if done for long enough.
To achieve a “nipplegasm“, similarly to a clitoral orgasm, experimenting with licking, sucking, nibbling and pinching is the way to go.
4. Coregasm: because working out should be fun!
The next time you see someone looking extra happy on one of the benches at the gym, it could be because they have experienced or are experiencing a coregasm.
Coregasms are achieved through physical activity, usually in one of two ways.
Either through core workouts which cause all your internal bits to contract whilst your core is engaged thus resulting in an orgasm or through running.
Yes, running can cause your thighs to rub against your clitoris, which in turn may provide enough stimulation to result in an orgasm.
So yep, that’s another reason to grab that gym membership!
5. Cervical orgasm, aka C-spot orgasm: here it’s all about the cervix!
This orgasm tends to happen as a result of nerve endings in and around the cervix being stimulated.
Ironically, the more aroused a woman gets, the harder it may become to stimulate her cervix.
This is because the vagina elongates results in the cervix being pulled upwards.
Therefore, successful cervical stimulation is most likely to be e achieved with a sizeable penis or a sex toy.
It’s also worth noting heavy thrusting and deep penetration can cause pain and discomfort, so communication is key when attempting this sort of sexual activity.
6. Blended orgasm: a combination!
The most common type of blended orgasm is clitoral and G spot; however, combining other types of orgasm works too.
Again, it’s about knowing what feels good and combining those things to maximise on pleasure. For example, using fingers to stimulate the G-spot while giving oral sex is a great way to help induce a blended orgasm. In fact, there are now several sex toys on the market which mimic this sort of stimulation, so indulging in some solo experimentation can lead to an incredible blended climax.
Whether it is clitoral and G spot-stimulation that floats your boat, or clitoral and cervical stimulation, once it’s figured out exactly how you can get the best individually, combining techniques is almost guaranteed to take your orgasms through the roof!
Getting to know your body through orgasms
Despite more open discourse and an overall general better understanding of how women’s bodies work, statistically, men still have an overall higher orgasm rate than women.
This is arguably most likely down to a lack of communication during sex.
A lot of women find it difficult to convey what they like and what feels good to them. Ultimately, this inability to express themselves results in a lack of sexual pleasure.
Exploring and understanding your body is a surefire way of boosting your confidence in this area.
It stands to reason if you feel assured about your pleasure and know precisely what gets you off. Then, you would be more likely to feel comfortable sharing that with a sexual partner.
So how do you know if you’ve experienced an orgasm?
This is a genuine question that sits on the lips of many women. What does an orgasm feel like, and how do I know if what I felt is definitely one?
Orgasms can occur in many ways; how they feel would vary hugely depending on the individual. However, it is safe to say an orgasm could be described as a vaginal sneeze!
Many women liken the feeling of tension followed by a euphoric release to that of a sneeze. For what it’s worth, both are reflexes, but an orgasm definitely feels better!
During an orgasm, your breathing changes. It may be deeper and slower or quicker and shallower.
Your heart rate is likely to increase as the tension builds, and you may even feel as though your whole body is blushing.
Your brain is treated to a surge of happy hormones, which include oxytocin and dopamine. These feel-good chemicals will contribute to you feeling relaxed, blissful and potentially even more amorous.
You may experience muscle spasms throughout your body, and you may feel a sensitivity to touch. One other common side effect is feeling sleepy afterwards.
If you do experience a combination of any of the above, it’s highly likely you are having an orgasm.
Explore female orgasms techniques through masturbation
A great way of discovering your pleasure is through masturbation. The truth is, we are our own best lovers. We know what we like and how to get it.
Studies have shown that women tend to find it easier to climax during masturbation. Again, this could be down to knowing what turns you on and going straight in for the kill rather than having a partner try and figure it all out.
Masturbating can undoubtedly improve our sex lives, but for most, there is always room to perfect how we masturbate.
A lot of our masturbation rituals never change.
We find a routine and stick to it. In fact, a lot of what we do stems back to how we behaved when we first discovered self-pleasure. It was often something we did quickly and secretively.
It’s important that we allow ourselves to stay in the moment and be mindful when we masturbate. That way, we can get the best outcome.
Focus on your breath, let your body move intuitively and allow sounds to be released from your mouth as and when.
Being conscious whilst self-pleasuring lets, you connect with yourself on a deeper level.
This understanding of self will be beneficial in partnered scenarios too.
It’s also worth noting not only health benefits of masturbation it helps you learn about your body too.
Stress relief, pain relief, improved sleep and better cognitive functioning are just some of the ways self-love can benefit you. If you masturbate and have an orgasm, you are treating your body to a bit of detox as an orgasm naturally flushes the body of unwanted toxins.
Your brain will also receive a boost, which is good for your mental health.
Masturbation and partnered play
Another benefit to masturbation is an increase in body confidence. Being confident when engaging in sexual activity with another is one of the biggest hacks when it comes to securing an orgasm.
Communication is really crucial, as is patience. It’s unfair to expect a partner to just know what you want.
If you are able to direct and/or even show them what you want and need, your partnered experience will work out for the better.
In addition, sexually satisfied women tend to enjoy more intimacy within their relationships.
The bottom line!
In summary, whilst an orgasm doesn’t have to be the end goal when it comes to sex, it is something to be enjoyed if it does happen. For years the male orgasm has been accepted as the norm, yet the female orgasm still seems to be shrouded in mystery and, to some extent, confusion.
If you are a woman engaging in sex and it’s an orgasm that you want, you should be afforded that if, of course you are able to climax.
Fascinating article – I like the informative way it compared older thinking with newer information and wasn’t preachy but encouraging