A sexologist’s advice for having a ‘touch-free orgasm’

Let go.

Sure, any orgasm is a good time, but what if it were possible to reach climax, completely touch-free? No hands, tongue, toys (or shower heads, if you’re so inclined), needed. Granted, it does sound a little like biohacking – futuristic, overcomplicated and a tad unnecessary. But for those who lean orgasm-curious, the ‘mental’ orgasm could be the next frontier.

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It’s something I only became familiar with after speaking to Dr Jess Wade, a doctor, sexologist and somatic therapist, for an article about stacked orgasms. In the interview, she spoke about experiencing a mind-blowing orgasm at a breathwork and sound healing workshop. It can be described as a ‘trance’ or ‘thought’ orgasm, but it essentially describes climax achieved through the mind alone.

While you shouldn’t simply turn up to a breathwork class with any expectations, she does have a few tips for trying it out yourself.

Fashion Journal: Hey Jess! What exactly is a mental or a trance orgasm and how might it differ from a ‘regular’ orgasm?

Jess: At its core, orgasm is an altered state of consciousness, marked by waves of pleasure, physical release and deep satisfaction. We usually think of it as genital (or at least starting in the genitals) but orgasm can also be sparked by other erogenous and non-erogenous parts of the body, fantasy, imagery, sound or even breathwork.

The brain alone can activate the body into ecstasy. That’s why I see orgasm not just as physical but as an emotional and relational state. It’s something far bigger than sex itself.

How does fantasy and mental framing play a role in arousal?

Female sexual arousal is strongly influenced by the mind. What I mean by this, is imagining erotic scenarios or using mental framing can quickly trigger bodily responses, a cascade of feel-good hormones, increased genital blood flow and that turned-on sensation. Mind-as-foreplay is key for deep arousal, this is the sexual mind-body connection in action.

In our stacked orgasms article, you mentioned you once had an orgasm at a breathwork and sound healing workshop. Can you tell me more about this experience and what it felt like?

Some women report experiencing orgasms during breathwork, sound healing or even in their dreams. These ‘mental’ or trance orgasms arise from focused imagery and mental framing and they produce the same physiological responses that you would expect in an orgasm, like pelvic contractions, increased blood flow (pelvic vasocongestion), increased heart rate and respiratory rate and that intense, pleasurable release.

Experiencing pleasure fully requires a felt sense of safety and a safe space where consent, boundaries and aftercare have been explicitly discussed. Being aware of what is happening allows you to relax, let go and fully unravel into sensation.

What should we be ‘aiming’ for if we want to experience this ourselves? How can we mentally prep?

Pleasure is deeply personal. Start by noticing what truly feels good in your body, the movements, the textures, the sounds and the subtle sensations that bring you joy, whether sexual or non-sexual. As you explore, pay attention to our old friends, shame and guilt, which can sneak in unannounced when we give ourselves permission to feel.

These emotions are normal, often conditioned responses and learning to acknowledge them without judgment allows your nervous system to fully engage in the pleasure experience. Practicing this simply noticing what feels good, allowing yourself to savour it and gently observing any discomfort or numbness. Disconnect is foundational for unlocking deeper sexual and somatic pleasure.

Do you have any other tips and tricks for achieving a ‘mental’ orgasm, whether that’s at a class, or at home?

Stay present, stay curious and practice somatic discernment, really tuning in to what’s a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in your body. I don’t recommend showing up to a breathwork or sound healing class with the goal of having an orgasm, this isn’t fair to the facilitator or other participants.

Respecting consent and boundaries is key when exploring your sexual self. If the class isn’t specifically designed for pleasure activation or orgasm, leave that intention at the door and focus on your personal experience within the space.

For more on hands-free orgasms, try this.