Female orgasms: What you need to know

A female orgasm can be a highly pleasurable experience during masturbation or sexual activity. While orgasms may not provide a direct reproductive benefit, the pleasure may help improve mood and relieve stress.
In this article, we look at why female orgasms occur and what happens during an orgasm. We also debunk some common misconceptions.
Causes
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Orgasms are a response to sexual stimulation. The female orgasm can result from many types of stimulation, including vaginal, clitoral, and nipple contact.
many types of stimulation
While vaginal orgasms are less common than those from clitoral stimulation, some women have them — with or without other stimulation.
Not everyone orgasms from the same type of stimulation.
What happens during an orgasm?
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.
Orgasms may follow the following stages:
excitement, during which arousal builds
plateau, during which arousal increases and levels off
orgasm, which causes intense feelings of pleasure
resolution, during which arousal diminishes
Many females can have another orgasm after resolution, whereas males usually require a period of rest before having another orgasm.
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
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What does it feel like?
Orgamsms can feel different for all people, and they may report their experiences in different language.
However, people typically experience intense feelings of pleasure in the genitals and throughout the body. The release of endorphins following an orgasm may cause people to feel happy and relaxed. The skin may also flush.
Women may also experience vaginal contractions during and after an orgasm, and ejaculation is also possible.
also possible
Why do females orgasm?
The purpose of the female orgasm is less clear than that of the male orgasm. Researchers have suggested numerous potential benefits, but few have been rigorously tested, and no theory has conclusive scientific support.
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.
2016 study
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.
Health benefits
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.
Common misconceptions
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.
trauma, relationship issues, and poor mental health
An orgasm is both a physical and psychological response, and numerous health problems can make it more difficult to enjoy sex in this way.
For example, some women experience vulvodynia, which refers to unexplained pain in the vagina or around the vulva. Treating this and other medical conditions may improve sexual pleasure.
vulvodynia
Self-appointed experts, mostly men, have long told women that they must orgasm from heterosexual intercourse. However, many women can only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.
Orgasm is a complex psychological and biological experience — reaching and experiencing orgasm is not the same for every woman. Some women may need to feel love to orgasm, while others may not.
Studies found people were more likely to orgasm frequently if they:
Studies
received more oral sex
had longer-lasting sex
reported higher relationship satisfaction
asked for what they wanted in bed
engaged in sexual emails or calls
expressed love during sex
acted out sexual fantasies
tried new sexual positions
A person’s relationship with their partner may or may not influence their ability to orgasm during sex.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on sexual health.
sexual health
There is no way to tell if a woman has had an orgasm without asking. Some people make noises during an orgasm, while others are silent. Some flush or sweat after an orgasm, but others do not.
A person who wants to know if their partner has had an orgasm can ask without being confrontational.
If the answer is no, avoid judgment, anger, or feelings of inadequacy — these can put pressure on the person to orgasm, which can lead to anxiety and make it more difficult. Instead, discuss whether they would prefer a different approach to sex.
What if you can’t orgasm?
Being unable to orgasm is a common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people may not receive the right kind of stimulation during sex, while others may have experienced trauma linked to sex. Others may simply be uninterested.
A 2018 analysis identified several factors that increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, including:
2018 analysis
relationship problems
stress
mental health issues
poor physical health
genitourinary issues, such as pelvic pain
a history of abortion
a history of female genital mutilation
sexual abuse
being religious, perhaps due to sexual shame and stigma
The same study identified several modifiable risk factors that improve sexual experience, including:
exercise
daily affection from a partner
a positive body image
sex education
intimate communication with a partner
The aforementioned study that compared orgasm frequency among people of various sexual orientations in the United States found that the following behaviors during sex increase the likelihood of women having an orgasm:
deep kissing
genital stimulation during vaginal intercourse
oral sex
If self-help strategies do not work, a doctor who specializes in sexual dysfunction may be able to identify a problem, if there is one.
Many medical issues can make having an orgasm difficult, including:
a lack of lubrication
hormonal imbalances
pelvic pain
muscle dysfunction
a history of trauma
When trauma or relationship problems make having an orgasm difficult, or when a person feels ashamed of sex or their desires, individual or couples counseling can help.
Summary
Serious scientific research into the female orgasm is relatively recent. Even some doctors may still believe myths about the female orgasm or think that it is unimportant to the female sexual experience.
This means that many people may have trouble accessing reliable information about orgasms.
A competent, compassionate medical professional can help a person understand the process of orgasm and identify potential barriers to sexual satisfaction.
There is no right way to orgasm and no correct way to feel about sex. People should pursue what feels good to them.