The 10 types of orgasms people with vulvas can have

The different types and how to experience them.

As you’re probably aware, orgasms feel amazing. You’ve probably got your spots, positions, strokes, touches and caresses that you know will get you there; to the pinnacle, to the peak. But what if there was a whole horizon you hadn’t yet explored? What if there were orgasms you didn’t realise your body was capable of?

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The orgasmic world is vast. Unlike what we’ve seen in pop culture, there’s not just one way to cum. In fact, for people with vulvas, there are 10 different types of orgasms you can experience. Here, we get into the beautiful nitty gritty of climaxes.

What is an orgasm? 

Before we begin, let’s be clear about what we’re talking about when we say ‘orgasm’. Dr Sheryl A Ross, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, describes an orgasm as a “physical reflex that occurs when muscles tighten during sexual arousal and then relax through a series of rhythmic contractions”.

Many orgasms centre on the vagina only, while others induce that profound intensity in places you’d never considered as erogenous zones. Research suggests that physiologically speaking, all orgasms trigger the same physical experience, no matter what ‘type’ we’re talking about.

As well as this physical experience, orgasms provide an emotional release and even lead to altered states of consciousness. They increase dopamine, oxytocin, norepinephrine and testosterone levels which “improve our moods and cognition, and diminish anxiety and stress responses”, says Monica Grover, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at New York’s VSpot. Let’s take a closer look at 10 different kinds of orgasms and how people with vulvas can experience them.

Clitoral orgasm 

The clitoral orgasm is caused by stimulation of the clitoris, which is known as the pleasure centre of the vulva seated at the top of the vaginal opening. It’s densely packed with nerve endings, (like the penis) but unlike the penis, it doesn’t play a central role in reproduction – it’s just there to make you feel good! 

How to have a clitoral orgasm

Stimulating the external part of the clitoris with a finger, tongue, or vibrator is the way to achieve a clitoral orgasm. Sex therapist Janet Wolfe suggests going solo at first, as masturbation allows you to explore what works for you, and then better direct your sexual partner.  

G-spot orgasm

You’ve probably heard of the elusive G-spot and its potential in providing you with an earth-shattering vaginal orgasm. The confusing thing about the G-spot we need to be clear about is this – it’s not a distinct part of your anatomy, but rather it’s part of your clitoral network (basically, when you’re stimulating the G-spot, you’re stimulating part of the clitoris).

Researchers say the G-spot may be located on the front wall of the vagina but it varies a lot from woman to woman which explains why it’s so difficult to locate. Once stimulated though, it can cause female ejaculation and that earth-shattering vaginal orgasm we’ve all dreamt of. 

How to have a G-spot orgasm

Finding the G-spot can be difficult so experts encourage discovery through self-exploration first. Begin by massaging the opening of your vagina before inserting your fingers or a sex toy and lifting either fingers or the sex toy upward towards your belly button in a ‘come hither’ motion.

Sex therapist Dr Wendasha Jenkins-Hall emphasises that there’s no ‘button’ you’re trying to reach, but rather it’s about being open and curious as to what feels good for you and your body in that area. 

Exercise-induced orgasm or ‘coregasm’

Yes, this is real and yes, it’s an orgasm caused by exercise, particularly weight training, cardio and abdominal-focused exercise. Suddenly that gym membership sounds a whole lot more appealing, huh?

Described as ‘less intense’ but still pleasurable by those who’ve experienced it, it happens as a result of contracting the pelvic floor muscles when you engage your muscles to stabilise the core. The sensation will mostly be felt in the lower abdominals, inner thighs, or pelvis. 

How to have a coregasm

While experts have suggested that coregasms often happen by accident, there are certain things you can do to increase your likelihood of having one. Using mindfulness to bring awareness to your body during exercise can increase your chances of having a coregasm during a workout.

Focusing your workout on strengthening the core and incorporating Kegel exercises can also greatly increase your chances, as well as doing 20 to 30 minutes of cardio at the start of your workout which can lead to greater sexual arousal.      

Sleep orgasm

You’ve probably all had a sensual dream before but did you know that it’s possible to have an orgasm while sleeping? Yep, a full-blown orgasm while you’re not even awake.

Experts suggest that sleep orgasms start with an erotic dream which causes deep relaxation and increased blood flow to the genitals which increases psychogenic arousal. According to scientific research, around 37 per cent of women will experience sleep orgasms by the age of 45. 

How to have a sleep orgasm 

Experts have suggested that sleeping on your stomach can lead to a greater chance of achieving a sleep orgasm. This position of sleeping triggers more clitoral stimulation and is associated with an increase in vivid dreams.

Going to bed thinking about sex and sexual fantasies has also been suggested as a way to increase your chances as well as touching your nipples before bed to increase arousal. 

The blended orgasm

If one orgasm wasn’t enough then how about double the pleasure with a blended orgasm? This happens when the clitoral and vaginal orgasm occurs simultaneously, through vaginal penetration and stimulation of the external glans of the clitoris. It’s been known to last from one to 15 minutes, climaxing in what researchers have called, a ‘giant’ orgasm.

How to have a blended orgasm

Dr Jane Greer, a New York-based marriage and sex therapist suggests that the woman-on-top position can be a great way to achieve blended orgasms as the woman is able to be in full control of the spots receiving attention. The missionary position can also be effective for a blended orgasm because the woman’s clitoris is also being rubbed through penetration.  

The skin orgasm

Ever had that feeling of getting ‘goosebumps’ or ‘chills’ while listening to your favourite song or piece of music? Well, you’ve probably experienced a skin orgasm or a ‘frisson’. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology describes a ‘frisson’ as “a musically induced effect associated with a pleasant tingling feeling”.

Researchers believe that these sensations are caused by sudden or unexpected changes in the music – key changes, unexpected harmonies and peaks in loudness and they aren’t localised to any one region of the body. 

How to have a skin orgasm

Classical music in particular is specifically linked to this phenomenon, however, researchers suggest that you are far more likely to have physical reactions to music that’s familiar to you. So, what we suggest – find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed, get those headphones out, press play on your favourite song and let the skin titillation begin.

Anal orgasm

Now while anal may not be everyone’s go-to position, in folks with vaginas, the anus and rectum’s close proximity to the nerve-dense pelvic floor area and internal clitoris, can lead to what experts describe as a pretty amazing orgasm.

The anal penetration stimulates the A-spot in the vagina, which is located about five or six inches inside the vagina and is particularly nerve dense, which heightens the intensity of the anal orgasm. 

How to have an anal orgasm

Experts suggest that being relaxed and aroused is key to anal penetration. Tips include taking a hot bath before anal play which will loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to your erogenous zones.

Practising with a butt plug can also give you a good feel for anal play before trying it with your partner, as well as making sure you use a lot of lube – in fact, experts say that when it comes to anal, there’s no such thing as too much lube. 

Nipple orgasm

The nipple orgasm is caused by stimulation of the nipple, which is an erogenous zone. In fact, each nipple has hundreds of nerve endings, making them super sensitive and a great way to induce pleasure with enough stimulation. It’s been described as something that happens quite gradually and then explodes into a powerful climax that comes in waves. Sounds pretty sexy, right? 

How to have a nipple orgasm

Experts suggest that self-exploration with your nipples is the best way to achieve a nipple orgasm. Take your time to play with your nipples and breasts and figure out what feels good for you. Using fingers, oils, clamps and nipple vibrators can ramp up the stimulation as can exploring other erogenous zones like the clitoris simultaneously. 

Squirting orgasm

Yep, in case you wondering, female ejaculation is absolutely a thing! Squirting is a form of ejaculation where a fluid, found to have similar chemical properties to urine as well as semen, is released from the vulva during orgasm. According to one study in 2017, 69 per cent of women have experienced it and it’s believed that anyone with a vagina is able to squirt. 

How to have a squirting orgasm

Experts suggest the key to squirting is being relaxed and in the mood because squirting involves such a big release. In order to squirt, the vagina and vulva need to be at peak arousal so it’s important to take things slow, suggests AASECT-certified sex therapist Dr Jenni Skyler.  

Stimulation of the G-spot is also central to squirting as well as learning to control the pelvic floor muscles and knowing when to contract and release. Using lube and being open to getting messy is also key. 

Cervical orgasm

The cervical orgasm is induced by stimulation of or the pressing against the cervix, which is the neck of tissue that joins the top of the vagina to the lower part of the uterus. Deep penetration is needed to stimulate the cervix, which is why being intentional about how to reach a cervical orgasm is key.  

How to have a cervical orgasm

Experts emphasise that it’s important to take it slow and make sure that you are relaxed and aroused. Foreplay is key as is communication with your partner about what feels good. Positions such as doggie style, which allow for deep penetration, are known to be the best for having a cervical orgasm. 

This article was originally published on July 13, 2022.

For more on the different types of orgasms and how to have them, try this.