As we’ve explored before, female orgasm is a delightful, if not always necessary part of good sex. But that said, what do we really mean by “orgasm?” A man’s climax is straightforward enough: semen ejaculates from his member, and then his party is over.
But the female orgasm is far more nuanced, intense, and, frankly, still a bit mysterious. With over 8,000 nerve endings in the clitoral region alone (more than twice as many as male genitalia nerve endings), a female orgasm can provide a much more explosive experience. In addition, they can be successive– one following right upon the other—something no man can accomplish.
At the same time, again unlike a man, many of a woman’s most sensitive pleasure points are not within clear view. Scientists still don’t agree on all the types of female orgasm, either, and whether certain types exist at all.
Still, we’ve combed through the literature to summarize some of the most important types of female orgasms you can expect, and some advice on how to get there, with a partner or alone.
Clitoral Female Orgasm:
Whichever orgasm road you take, the clitoris is almost certainly going to be part of it. Studies show that about 94% of women need at least some clitoral stimulation to reach an orgasmic peak. Fortunately, the clitoris is fairly easy to see and reach, although the externally visible portion is only a small part of this sensitive organ that extends deeper into the body.
To get on this pleasure ride, Dr. Janet Brim advises first applying plenty of lube (if the clitoris itself is not wet enough) and then using “faster and harder pressure in a repetitive motion. Top off this motion with heavy pressure as the orgasm begins to intensify the feeling. Back down a little if the clit is too sensitive.”
Vaginal (G-Spot):
There has been intense debate and countless discussions on the famed “G-spot,” which is supposed to be 1-2 inches inside the vagina, on its clitoral-side wall. Many scientists are skeptical about its very existence, but others insist it is real; it is possibly an area that covers the parts of the clitoris embedded under the skin.
Regardless, many women swear by G-spot orgasms, which may result from rubbing or pressing the area—either by your partner or in a solo act. This is one of the main female orgasms. As Sex Expert Alix Fox states, “The G-spot often responds best to fairly firm motions: to masturbate it alone, try rubbing back and forth against the area with a specially curved dildo, angled to hit the right place without you having to painfully contort your wrist. Glass sex toys can be perfect to stimulate this moan zone.”
Urethral (U-Spot):
The region around the urethral opening is very sensitive in some women, and can be a pleasure path to orgasm. It is composed of spongy erectile tissue that rises during arousal. However, unlike the G-Spot, female orgasms here will usually be the result of very soft caresses and touches, along with plenty of lubrication.
As Fox puts it, “If your partner has a penis, try slicking plenty of mild water-based lubricant between your labia, and having them delicately run the head of their penis repeatedly from the entrance of the vaginal opening up to the clitoris and back again – this should feel scrumptious for both of you.”
Anterior fornix erogenous zone (A-Spot):
You or your partner may have to do a bit of a deep dive for this one, as it’s behind the G-spot by 2-3 inches, and likewise behind the cervix. You may or may not feel comfortable probing this far in, and any hard hit to the cervix will be painful. Nevertheless, Fox says that the reward can be “overwhelming orgasms that radiate across the entirety of the pelvis and down the legs.”
There are also health benefits to probing the A-Spot. According to Dr. Chua Chee Ann, stimulation of this area can reduce vaginal dryness. Without sex, Dr. Chua says a woman should “(apply) pressure to the area with fingers, making a ‘scooping’ or ‘come hither’ motion over and over, for 10 minutes each day.” Healthy and sinfully sweet tactic to female orgasm!
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response: ASRM (Eargasm):
This is a shivery sensation that you feel from your ears down your spine. It can be caused by certain sounds, vibrations or other auditory impacts. You can get ASRM stimulation from online videos, music, and other sources. It may sound weird to some, but as Fox says, “Sounds odd, but feels great – what have you got to lose?”
Anal:
Some women regularly enjoy “backdoor sex,” some are intrigued, while others may feel repulsed. Those taking this ride can look forward to powerful orgasms, which in fact are also more frequent than vaginal ones. This is partly because of the anatomy of the region.
As Prudence Hall, MD., gynecologist and medical director of the Hall Center in Southern California, details, “because the anus and rectum are so close to the vagina and clitoris—and are connected by a thin stretch of tissue called the perineum—they share many of the same nerves and muscles, including the PC (or pelvic floor) muscle.”
If you can get over your initial hesitation regarding the experience, you probably won’t be disappointed by the end result.
Ejaculatory (Squirters)
It may surprise some to know that, like men, some women ejaculate at climax. This is otherwise known as a “squirter” or “squirting.” There is a modern fascination with squirting, so much so that it is one of the top erotic Internet searches by both men and women.
However, the phenomenon itself is ancient, appearing in texts such as the Kama Sutra and Taoist writings. California OB-GYN Sherry Ross explains the science, saying, “Sometimes when women are sexually aroused or stimulated there is an expulsion of fluid from the glands around the urethra or anterior surface of the vagina during or before orgasm, though it’s still hotly contested where the fluid actually comes from.”
If you are reaching for a squirting orgasm, adult movie star Casey Calvert advises, “Get very comfortable with your Hitachi vibrator and also get a G-spot toy.”
Blended:
An orgasm doesn’t have to fall into a single category. Stimulation of multiple erogenous zones can combine them into a massive and simultaneous climax.
As health and sex journalist Kristin Canning writes, “If you can handle two, three, or even four times the intensity and pleasure of a regular O, this kind of orgasm is for you.” Dr. Hall concurs, saying, “The more stimulation (of different areas) there is, the more blood flow will result, and the bigger the orgasm will be.”
What’s your Orgasm Type?
You do not have to necessarily chase every orgasm type. However, knowing that there are so many different paths to the peak can encourage women to explore their bodies and their desires—with or without accessories or a partner. Start exploring today in order to find out which path suits you best.
