What Is An Orgasum

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What Is An Orgasum

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Orgasm occurs after stimulation of the genitals or erogenous zones. It’s the peak of sexual arousal and causes intense feelings of pleasure. Orgasms have several positive effects on overall health. Everyone experiences sexual climax differently, which is normal and healthy. But some factors can make it difficult to achieve orgasm.


American Psychological Association. Understanding Orgasm. (https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/04/orgasm) Accessed 5/9/2022.
Britannica. Orgasm. (https://www.britannica.com/science/orgasm) Accessed 5/9/2022.
Eisenman R. Scientific Insights Regarding the Orgasm. (https://ejop.psychopen.eu/index.php/ejop/article/view/430/html) Europe’s Journal of Psychology. 2008:4(2). Accessed 5/9/2022.
Planned Parenthood. Orgasms. (https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/orgasms) Accessed 5/9/2022.


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An orgasm is the height or peak of sexual arousal when the body releases sexual tension and pressure. It involves very intense feelings of pleasure in your genitals and throughout your body.
An orgasm usually lasts a few seconds and feels very good.
Orgasm occurs during sexual stimulation of your genitals and sexual (erogenous) zones of your body. These include the:
An orgasm can occur during masturbation or during sex with a partner. It is one of four stages in the body’s sexual response cycle :
Having an orgasm is also called climaxing, cumming, or having the “big O.”

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Certain things happen throughout your body during orgasm:
Muscle contractions play an important role in orgasm. For example, the muscles of your vagina and uterus often contract. This may cause a small amount of fluid to release from your genitals. Likewise, the muscles at the base of your penis contract, which usually leads to ejaculation (when the body releases semen).
In the few minutes after orgasm, your body slowly returns to its normal state. As you recover:
Some people may become sexually aroused again a few minutes after orgasm and can have multiple orgasms. Some need more time before they can orgasm again. This differs widely from person to person.
There are different kinds of orgasms, including:
Orgasm is generally intense and pleasurable. But it can feel different for everyone, and it can even feel different for a person each time. All of the differences are normal and healthy.
During orgasm, your body releases dopamine, known as “the feel-good hormone,” and oxytocin, sometimes called “the love drug.” These hormones increase feelings of happiness and other positive emotions, and they counteract the “stress hormone,” cortisol.
Many people have to experiment with different methods and communicate well with their partners before they can achieve orgasm.
Other factors also can interfere with the ability to reach sexual climax:
If you have trouble having an orgasm and it bothers you, talk to a healthcare provider. Some people have sexual dysfunction , disorders that interfere with orgasm. You can speak to a primary care provider (PCP) to learn more. Or, to address sexual dysfunction in females , you may want to visit a gynecologist.
Research indicates that orgasms have several health benefits, including improvements in:
An orgasm is a pleasurable feeling at the height of sexual arousal. Everyone experiences orgasm differently, and many factors can affect your ability to climax. Talk to a healthcare provider if trouble reaching orgasm is bothering you.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/09/2022.

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Medically reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST — Written by Hannah Rimm and Gabrielle Kassel — Updated on March 3, 2022
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy .
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Litner, PhD, LMFT, CST — Written by Hannah Rimm and Gabrielle Kassel — Updated on March 3, 2022
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There’s a lot of talk about Big Os. And for good reason: They can enable you to experience Big Pleasure.
But what is an orgasm, exactly? Are all orgasms the same? And how can you tell where an orgasm is happening in the body? Below, sex educators answer these questions and more.
Trust. With the help of this guide, you can get the Os you deserve, from the fireworks-on-display kind to the calm oh-my-gods.
“There’s not a singular and widely agreed-upon definition of orgasm,” says Caitlin V. Neal , resident sexologist for sexual hygiene and body care company Royal .
“One operating definition of orgasm is that it’s a pleasurable release of sexual tension,” she says.
Also known as a climax or cum, an orgasm is sometimes defined as the fourth stage of a sexual encounter, with stages of anticipation, excitement, and plateau proceeding it. (This is known as the sexual response cycle ).
Orgasming is often marked by a series of physical sensations, including:
But not everybody experiences sex and orgasm the same way.
Many pleasure seekers will say that they experience a variety of different types of orgasms, depending on what part(s) of their bodies are being stimulated.
And most sex educators agree that orgasms come in a variety of different lengths, intensities, and overall quality.
But here’s the thing: No matter how they’re categorized, it’s often difficult to discern what type of orgasm you’re having while you have it.
According to longtime sex educator Searah Deysach, owner of Early to Bed , a pleasure-product company in Chicago, Illinois that ships worldwide, that’s because the anatomical structures that can lead to orgasm are often intertwined and hard to distinguish.
“Someone might have an orgasm from stimulating the front wall of the vagina ( the G-spot ) or have an orgasm from stimulating the external portion of their clitoris, but ultimately these orgasms all come from the same place,” she says. (Did you know that the G-spot is actually the place where the clitoral legs hug the vaginal canal?).
The bottom line: Not every orgasm will feel the same. And touching different erogenous zones can result in different quality orgasms.
If exploring all the different types of sensations the body can bring joy and excite you, you might take pleasure in thinking about the different types of orgasms.
But as a general rule, Deysach warns against being overly specific about the “type” of orgasms you’re having. “Instead, I’d encourage folks to just be excited about any orgasm and type of pleasure.”
At the end of the day, an orgasm is an orgasm is an orgasm.
But (!) if you’re interested in fully exploring the pleasure-potential of your body in full, you might try stimulating a wider breadth of body parts. Each body part can create a specific orgasmic sensation, though there will be some variation from person to person.
While you’ll find sites reporting that there are anywhere from 12 different types of orgasms to just 1, we’ve decided to narrow in on just 6.
Check out the chart below to understand exactly what six different types of happy endings might feel like.
Bringing yourself to orgasm is a bit like making cookies.
Just like you’ll need slightly different ingredients for different types of cookies, you’ll need slightly different tools and touches for different kinds of orgasms.
Below, are tips on how to explore different types of orgasms.
Remember that experimenting and reaching orgasm doesn’t require a partner. Pleasure isn’t dependent and neither are you — the better you know your rhythm with fingers and toys, the faster you can teach a partner how you tango.
The clitoris is a nerve-rich hot spot.
The external portion of the clitoris peeks out from the tiptop of the vulva and is often covered by a hood .
One of the best ways to stimulate the external portion of the clitoris is by gently rubbing with the fingers, palm, or tongue in a back and forth or circular motion.
The internal portion of the clitoris can’t be seen, but can be stimulated through internal vaginal or anal pressure.
Let’s get this out of the way: Vaginal orgasms can be really pleasurable for people who can have them.
But the cultural belief that vaginal orgasms are better than any other kind of orgasm is absolute BS! There isn’t an orgasm hierarchy.
Anal orgasms are something that anyone can have, however, what causes the orgasm is different between people with penises and folks with vulvae.
For people with penises, anal penetration can stimulate the prostate , which is a nerve-dense erogenous zone that’s analogous to the G-spot.
For folks with vaginas, anal penetration can stimulate the clitoral legs, as well as the A-spot or G-spot.
To achieve a combo orgasm, combine clitoral and vaginal stimulation simultaneously, either in parallel or opposite rhythms — whatever feels best for you or your partner.
Combining clitoral stimulation with vaginal stimulation is also the most common way to help someone squirt .
Pro tip : Wait until the receiver is thoroughly aroused before adding in penetrative play.
Erogenous zone orgasms are achieved exclusively through a lot of experimentation.
You may be able to orgasm from kisses on your neck, teeth on your nipples, or fingers on the inside of your elbows.
The best way to find your erogenous zones is to use a feather or another light external object and take note of where you feel the most pleasure.
If lips and fingers alone don’t cut it, you might try incorporating sensation toys like a Wartenberg wheel, a feather teaser, or a tassel.
“An orgasm is caused by the buildup of tension in the nerve cells,” explains Neal. When that tension releases, you can experience an orgasm.
“You can think of an orgasm as being caused by an immense amount of pleasure in the nerve endings reaching a point of overwhelm,” she says.
Curious about the differences between the orgasms a vagina owner can have and a penis owner can have?
Less than you might guess, according to Neal. “All orgasms are similar, and all orgasms are slightly different,” she says.
Typically, the orgasms vagina havers experience are longer lasting (approximately 20 to 35 seconds) than the orgasm a penis owner has (usually under 15 seconds).
Neal adds that it’s important to remember that ejaculation and orgasm are different.
“Male orgasm and male ejaculation are two different biological processes that need not happen concurrently,” she says. “Many penis owners are able to reach orgasm without ejaculating, and report these orgasms as being similar to the orgasms a vagina owner has.”
Communication? More like cum unication!
In any kind of sexual play, communication is key . Not only does communicating enable you to ask for ongoing consent (required by law !), but telling a partner what you want, how, and where is the best way to ensure maximum pleasure.
Remember, a sexual partner isn’t a mind reader, even though you might want them to be.
Your move: talk, talk, and then talk some more.
The above orgasm explanations are great starting points, but sex doesn’t have a manual. That’s why exploring in the moment and learning what your body loves (and doesn’t love) is absolutely key.
And remember: Not all sex requires an orgasm, and orgasms don’t mean the sex is great.
Bodies are different. Pleasure is different. Orgasms are different. And the path it takes to get there is all about experimenting, communicating, and trying again. Allow yourself to soak in the sensations of the pleasure process just as much, or even more than, the finale.
Hannah Rimm is a writer, photographer, and generally creative person in New York City. She writes primarily about mental and sexual health, and her writing and photography has appeared in Allure, HelloFlo, and Autostraddle. You can find her work at HannahRimm.com or follow her on Instagram .
Last medically reviewed on March 3, 2022
You can often feel these orgasms on the surface of the body, like a tingly feeling along your skin, and in your brain.
These orgasms are deeper in the body and are usually accompanied by pulsations of the vaginal canal walls. When the G-spot — a specific spot about 2 inches inside the front vaginal wall — is stimulated, it can result in ejaculation .
During anal orgasm , the muscle contractions you feel will primarily be in the anal canal and around the anal sphincter. (And not inside the vagina).
When the vagina and the clitoris are stimulated at the same time, it tends to result in a more explosive orgasm. Sometimes these combo orgasms are accompanied by full-body trembles and tremors.
Stimulating lesser-known erogenous parts of the body (ears, nipples, neck, elbows, knees, etc.) can cause a pleasurable release when kissed and played with. Some people describe the orgasm that follows as being more full-body, compared to other kinds of orgasms.
Convulsing orgasms are orgasms that result in the pelvic floor muscles convulsing over and over and over again really quickly. These orgasms usually happen after a long buildup. Neal suggests doing this by edging yourself (meaning getting yourself close to orgasm without going over) repeatedly.

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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — Written by Zawn Villines on February 13, 2020
Share on Pinterest An orgasm can cause intense pleasure, which may have its own benefits.
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Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — Written by Zawn Villines on February 13, 2020
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Unlike some animals, human females can have sex any time of the month, and they do not have to orgasm to ovulate or get pregnant.
Male-dominated scientific norms mean that much about the female orgasm remains misunderstood, and many harmful myths persist.
A female orgasm can be highly pleasurable and occur during masturbation or sexual activity with one or more partners. Scientists are unsure whether it has additional benefits.
In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.
The benefits of the male orgasm are clear. Men must ejaculate to deposit sperm in the vagina, possibly leading to pregnancy. The male orgasm, therefore, serves a clear evolutionary purpose.
The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.
Not everything the body does has a clear purpose, however. Scientists have not discovered the evolutionary benefits of some traits that have persisted in humans.
A 2016 study argues that the female orgasm may have no obvious evolutionary benefit and that it may be a relic of a time when the hormones associated with orgasm were necessary for a woman to ovulate.
Since there was no evolutionary need to eliminate the female orgasm, it persisted even when it was no longer necessary for fertility.
Orgasm may serve important purposes, however. The pleasure it can cause can encourage females to have sex. This may also promote bonding with a sexual partner, which does have significant evolutionary benefits.
During arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, causing them to become more sensitive.
As arousal increases, a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate may also increase. As orgasm approaches, the muscles may twitch or spasm. Many women experience rhythmic muscle spasms in the vagina during an orgasm.
Several researchers have proposed that sexual response follows specific stages, though their theories about these stages differ.
Still, most theories include the following stages:
Many females are able to have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.
While the internet is filled with articles promising that orgasms improve skin, hair, and overall health, there is little scientific evidence that orgasms offer any specific health benefits.
Scientists have not identified any evolutionary benefits of female orgasms or found that orgasms improve health.
But orgasms are pleasurable, and pleasure can be its own benefit. Pleasurable sex may improve a person’s mood, relieve stress, boost immunity, and foster better relationships.
Women do not need to orgasm to get pregnant. However, a limited body of evidence suggests that orgasms may boost fertility.
One very small study , for example, measured whether there was better sperm retention after female orgasm. While the results confirmed this, proving that the female body retains sperm better after an orgasm will require larger studies with designs of higher quality.
People hold many misconceptions about female orgasms. Some myths include:
While trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health can make it more difficult to orgasm, many people with healthy sexual attitudes and good relationships still have difficulties.
An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.
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