So many of us have had an orgasm, but do we really know what they’re all about? Medical doctors often define an orgasm as, “the sudden discharge of accumulated sexual tension, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region” (McIntosh, 2018). This definition explains the physiology of orgasms, but there is even more to uncover about the psychology of orgasms.
For lots of folks, orgasms can be intense, extremely pleasurable. Orgasms happen through different types of stimulation, and research suggests that orgasms have tons of benefits for our health, & even our relationships. It is important to know that not everyone enjoys orgasms & some people have a hard time achieving orgasms–we all find pleasure in different ways!
Due to the lack of knowledge & consensus about orgasms, combined with how many folks place orgasms on a pedestal & regard them as the “end goal of sex,” many misconceptions about orgasms have developed & have seeped into our sex lives. It is estimated that around 10-15 percent of people with vulvas have never had an orgasm (Rosen, 2000).
There’s a misunderstanding that this suggests it's simply “more difficult” to achieve an orgasm if you have a vulva, versus if you have a penis. However, other studies have come to the conclusion that vulva-owners are much more likely to orgasm through self-stimulation, if they are having sex with another vulva-owner, or if penile-vaginal stimulation is NOT the main/only sexual act. Studies like these provide insights & suggestions for improvement about the way in which we currently define sex, and how the journey to an orgasm is a very individual experience.
There are also quite a few misconceptions about types of orgasms, due to individuals such as Sigmund Freud who suggested that clitoral orgasms were “immature”, and that vaginal orgasms signified a “healthy sexual response.” Many people have debunked Freud’s idea, claiming it to be highly inaccurate & harmful, and instead, sex educators suggest that vaginal orgasms are actually clitoral orgasms. Growing research & knowledge about the full structure & function of the clitoris has led people to understand their own pleasure & arousal templates.
Here are some types of orgasms from physical stimulation:
(Note: Orgasms do not only occur during physical/sexual stimulation. There have been many reports of voluntary & involuntary orgasms due to mental stimulation or some medications)
Here are some of my tips: