Types of Orgasms

Oh-Oh-Ohhh!

If you’ve ever picked up a copy of Cosmo, you have by now been made aware that there are not one, but three types of female orgasms. Like many numbers in the field of human sexuality, this one is a rough estimate.  Freud suggested that there were two types: clitoral orgasms, and those involving the g-spot. Others have argued that there are many different types, and that no two are the same.

Today most sexologists agree on three main types: clitoral, vaginal (from stimulating the g-spot) and a blend of the two – weaker than both but easiest to achieve.

What is an Orgasm?

An orgasm (in women) is a series of rhythmic contractions of the vaginal walls and/or labia that results in waves of intense sensation, euphoria, and a release of endorphins.  Getting technical, it is like any other wave front in a body of water – it has small preceding waves (contractions) which increase in frequency and lead to a peak of three or more very intense contractions, which are in turn followed by much smaller contractions, rapidly decreasing in intensity and frequency.

That’s a textbook explanation of an orgasm.  If you’ve had one, you know it doesn’t really do it justice. There are three main types of female orgasm that are widely recognized, and each of them have different patterns, and require different types of stimulation to achieve.  We’ll start with the first orgasm you’re likely to have:

The Clitoral Orgasm

Clitoral orgasms are brought on by stimulation of the clitoris and labia, and are often a woman’s first experience of an orgasm.  They require not only persistent and appropriate stimulation of the clitoris, but also a high level of general arousal.  Too much stimulation too early can be painful.  Too little stimulation too late can result in the orgasm “aborting”, and a loss of sensitivity (more on this later).

Clitoral orgasms are most easily achieved through oral sex or masturbation, either manual, mutual, or with a vibrator – the last of which is easiest. They usually require gently repetitive massaging, which slowly and steadily increases in pressure and speed, without any sudden breaks in rhythm. A woman who is experienced at masturbating with a small vibrator, such as a bullet or egg, can potentially achieve a clitoral orgasm in around two minutes.

A clitoral orgasm is best described as a “release of pressure”, and waves of tingling sensations.  It is usually limited to the vaginal area, but can sometimes spread through the lower abdomen and legs.  Most women require some form of clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm.  While the indirect stimulation achieved during intercourse by using certain positions can sometimes do it, more intense and regular stimulation is usually required.

The Vaginal (G-Spot) Orgasm

In case you haven’t heard, the g-spot is real, and it doesn’t differ from woman to woman or roam around the body depending on what time of the month it is. It is a condensed collection of nerves on the upper vaginal wall, about 3-4 inches into the vagina. It is highly sensitive, and direct stimulation at low arousal levels can be uncomfortable.

However, it is also more protected than the clitoris, and when arousal is high and the area swells it can take a great deal of pressure, and very hard stimulation. Here’s the catch: intercourse isn’t guaranteed to hit it.  In fact, you have to both know what you’re doing in order to give it the kind of regular, direct and rhythmic stimulation you need in order to have this kind of orgasm.

First, though, a g-spot orgasm is a series of deeply felt, internal spasms of intense pleasure.  It is often preceded by a feeling of needing to pee, which is a sign that you should “push” with those muscles feeling the sensation.  The natural urge to try not to urinate during sex can prevent some women from being able to achieve g-spot orgasms.  However, unless you really need to go, you won’t – you’ll simply reach the “point of no return”, and then have a very powerful orgasm.

There are many ways to hit the g-spot, but the most consistent is masturbation with a medium sized g-spot vibrator, which has a curved tip.  Regular, strong pressure is usually required, and some form of clitoral stimulation might be necessary.

During intercourse, there are many different ways to hit the g-spot.  Missionary position is not one of them. There are two guaranteed ways to do it:

1.    Rear-entry (doggie style) – make sure that you are resting on your elbows, not your hands, with your knees quite far apart, and your back concave (curved towards the bed) and not convex, as this will cause your partner to miss the spot completely.

2.    Girl on top, preferably with your feet on his chest or shoulders.  Lean back so that you can rest on your hands and control your angle of penetration.

Blended Orgasms

Blended orgasms are technically the most easy to achieve by couples, and are brought on by simultaneous stimulation of the g-spot and clitoris.  While that sounds like a feat of great coordination, it’s not particularly difficult if you realise that you have at least four hands between you.  Sex toys also go a long way in making it easy to achieve orgasm during sex.

Blended orgasms are typically slightly less intense than either clitoral or pure g-spot orgasms, but are easy to achieve regularly once you know which positions and types of stimulation work best for you. They are usually felt all over the body, with strong waves of sensation radiating out from the pelvic area.

The easiest way to achieve a blended orgasm through masturbation is by using a curved g-spot vibrator and a vibrating bullet or egg at the same time, or by using a g-spot vibrator with a clitoris stimulator, such as a Rabbit with a curved tip. Newer vibrators, such as the DeLight Luxury Vibrator, specifically curve to give you maximum g-spot and clitoral stimulation at the same time, and can be adjusted to fit your body.

During intercourse, the easiest way to achieve a blended orgasm is through girl-on-top positions, with one hand masturbating the clitoris.  It can be yours or your partners, but remember: if you’re facing each other it’s very difficult for a man on the bottom to bend his arm properly for the length of time it takes.  Reverse-cowgirl - girl on top, facing away from your partner – makes it easier for both you and your partner to reach.

The Anatomy of an Orgasm

For the partner, it can be difficult to know when they should speed up, slow down, and keep going.  Stopping stimulation before an orgasm is complete can result in an “aborted” orgasm, or one where the contractions start but pleasure is not experienced.  The endorphins don’t get released, but the body has spent its arousal.

To avoid this, simply don’t stop until she backs away or tells you to stop.  The tendency is to observe what you think is the complete orgasm, but is actually only the immediate build up, and then stop at the peak when she stops moving and writhing on the bed.

Before orgasm, there is a point where she knows that she will climax, as long as everything that is happening keeps happening.  This continues, and will build to orgasm naturally, as long as no major changes occur.  Slight and gradual increases in pressure and intensity can speed up the process, but once this point is reached it is usually guaranteed.

Eventually she will reach the “point of no return” where the orgasm has started, and the muscle spasms can’t be stopped.  It can take up to 20 seconds to reach the climax from here, which can in turn last up to 30 seconds. At this point it is important to keep doing what you’re doing until the end of the orgasm – and not stop in the middle.