What Does an Orgasm Feel Like? Scientific Guide on Female Orgasms

An orgasm can be difficult to describe. Our guide will answer the question of what a female orgasm feels like, and what women can do to have one.

The Promescent Team
Hands on, practical experience – this is our expertise
by The Promescent Team Last updated 12/11/2023
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what does having an orgasm feel like

Despite the helpful explanations we may have from scientists, describing an orgasm can be a difficult task.

While male and female orgasms have many similarities, many people still wonder, "what does having an orgasm feel like?"

Quick FAQs

As described by sexologist Alfred Kinsey, it is the discharge of neuromuscular tensions at the peak of the sexual response.

The benefits of an orgasm include an improved mood, relaxation and pain relief.

An orgasm can be achieved through various forms of stimulation such as clitoral stimulation and anal stimulation. It's important for women to feel sexual desire and emotional connection to increase their chances of orgasm.

This guide will go over what a female orgasm actually feels like, along with the benefits and the various ways that different types of orgasms can be achieved.

What is an Orgasm?

According to Alfred Kinsey, one of history’s most important sexologists, an orgasm is, “the expulsive discharge of neuromuscular tensions at the peak of the sexual response.”

In less clinical terms, it may be described as the pleasurable sensation that occurs after sufficient arousal.

Men commonly experience quick yet powerful penile orgasms in conjunction with an ejaculation. Women’s orgasms are often thought to be longer lasting, with the potential for multiple orgasms in a row.

For some women, this event may come from clitoral or vaginal stimulation. For others, it can come from the nipples, cervix, or a combination of numerous erogenous zones.

Dirty talk, or any sensual sounds and phrases, can also help to bring and enhance an orgasm.

What Does an Orgasm Feel Like?

Studies have been done on female orgasms, and in many cases, the orgasm rises, peaks, and falls in concurrent stages such as:

  • An initial arousal
  • A buildup of tension and pleasure
  • A crescendo of tension and pleasurable sensations
  • A temporary loss of consciousness during the peak of pleasure
  • Muscle contractions in the pelvis and throughout the body
  • Waves of pleasure and relaxation as the orgasm subsides

Sometimes, an orgasm may be over quickly, while other times it may be drawn out extensively.

The power of an orgasm is often related to the duration of intercourse or masturbation as well. Shorter sessions can lead to less powerful orgasms, while longer sessions can lead to stronger and more pleasurable ones.

Benefits of an Orgasm

Along with simply being pleasurable, female orgasms have a number of potential mental and physical benefits including:

  • Pain relief
  • An improved mood
  • Cardiovascular benefits
  • Increased focus
  • Improved immune system
  • Relaxation
  • Improved sleep

Types of Orgasms

Female orgasms can arise from a number of scenarios, and from a number of erogenous zones on the body. 

Let's look at some of the different types and how they can best be achieved.

Vaginal, G-Spot, and Clitoral Orgasms

In a study, it was found that men have orgasms over 90% of the time from intercourse, while only 50% of women reported to have had an orgasm from intercourse alone.

This is partly due to sex not lasting long enough to provide a woman with an orgasm, along with the fact that more targeted stimulation may be needed.

To aid in vaginal, clitoral, or G-spot (upper vaginal wall) orgasms, a toy such as a vibrator can specifically target the areas more directly.

While some women may be able to achieve an orgasm from sex alone, it's important for men to remember that sex does not have to end after their orgasm.

Along with toys, a vaginal orgasm can also be achieved by stimulation from the hands or mouth.

Nipple Orgasms

Some women are capable of having orgasms purely from nipple stimulation alone.

For some tips on achieving a nipple orgasm, either solo or with a partner, you can:

  • Gently pull or twist the nipples
  • Run a finger around the nipple
  • Use lubrication to enhance the sensation
  • Suck or lick the nipple

It may take time to achieve a nipple orgasm, but nipple stimulation can be pleasurable in its own right even if it doesn’t immediately lead to climax.

Anal

In a surprising result from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, it was found that 94 percent of women orgasmed when receiving anal sex.

It may be due to the stimulation of the A-spot. This area can be stimulated through the use of sex toys.

Hands-Free Orgasms

Some women are able to orgasm through kegels, which is the act of squeezing the PC muscles in the same way that one stops a flow of urine.

In a similar fashion, exercises such as squats or bicycle riding can also cause orgasms for some. These are often colloquially called "coregasms" as they can originate more directly from the stomach than the genitals.

Sleep Orgasms

While not something you can generally plan for, both men and women are capable of orgasming in their sleep.

In some cases, women may have an orgasm in their dream, or they may wake up to an orgasm after a particular erotic dream.

How to Have an Orgasm

Having a female orgasm arguably begins with being in the right mindset. Some factors that determined whether women had an orgasm include:

  • Orgasm importance
  • Sexual self-esteem
  • Sexual desire

Other factors that were found to influence orgasm occurrence include the ability to concentrate and their partner’s good sexual techniques.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most women regularly achieve orgasm through masturbation rather than intercourse. The stimulation of the clitoris made it more likely to occur during intercourse.

Plus, utilizing special products like vibrators or warming female arousal gels may also increase sensations and potentially make having an orgasm more possible.

Additionally, a study conducted by The Archives of Sexual Behavior found that women are more likely to orgasm if oral sex or deep kissing occurred.

Takeaways

Answering, "what does an orgasm feel like for a woman" can be difficult as orgasms are a very personal and unique experience. The experience can differ between women, depending on the person's mindset and the methods used to achieve one.

By utilizing the tips in this guide, you can discover different variations of female orgasms and be more likely to achieve one.

From clitoral orgasms to more uncommon ones like nipple-based orgasms and coregasms, there's a wide range of sensual sensations that you can explore safely on your own or with a partner today.

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The Promescent Team

Our team has over a decade of experience in the sexual wellness field and are experts in sexual dysfunctions, like premature ejaculation. We help couples and individuals better understand treatment options available for different types of sexual needs and educate the public on all things related to intimacy. All of our authored content is medically reviewed for accuracy and reliability.

Sources:

Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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