Types of Orgasms and How to Have More

Vaginal orgasms are real and are one type of orgasm. However, not everyone has them—and that’s completely normal. Research continues to find that different types of female orgasms (like vaginal and clitoral) are related, and that there are other types, too.

What Is an Orgasm?

An orgasm—a pleasurable release of sexual tension—results from different types of sexual stimulation. Orgasm is usually defined as a series of rhythmic contractions of the genital muscles followed by relaxation.

Everyone experiences orgasms in their own way. What stimulates an orgasm varies from person to person. It can also change from day to day or with different partners.

The experience of orgasm can vary from person to person. In males, orgasm is typically accompanied by ejaculation (the release of semen). A female orgasm can last a few moments, linger continuously for several moments, or rise, then fade and rise again.

A female orgasm can result from clitoral, vaginal, nipple, or other erogenous zone stimulation. Often, a combination of factors is at play. Sometimes, orgasms can even occur from thoughts, without any physical sexual stimulation. Experts note that female orgasm is influenced by communication, body image, and a host of other factors, too.

What Is a Vaginal Orgasm?

A vaginal orgasm is a type of orgasm that occurs during vaginal penetration. Vaginal orgasms can be stimulated during intercourse or using fingers or sex toys during foreplay.

Vaginal orgasms are typically felt deeper in the body than a clitoral orgasm. During a vaginal orgasm, the walls of the vaginal canal pulsate. Fluid released can be either ejaculation (small amounts of whitish fluid released from the Skene’s glands) or squirting (small amounts of diluted urine).

Not everyone experiences a vaginal orgasm. Other types of female orgasm can include:

• Anal orgasm, with stimulation of the anus
• Orgasms that occur when other parts of the body, like nipples or thighs, are stimulated
• Bodywide orgasms that build up, with sexual techniques meant to delay and then achieve them
• Combination orgasms, with both vaginal and clitoral stimulation, which are common
• Orgasms from sexual thoughts alone

Different people can have one type of orgasm or another.

How Vaginal Orgasms Occur

Vaginal orgasms come from stimulation of the vaginal walls—in particular, an area known as the G-spot. The G-spot is a location of sensitivity, though it’s difficult to define. Some scientists theorize that the G-spot is the root of the clitoris muscle felt on the inside.

The exact location of the G-spot is different with each individual. It is generally found roughly 2 inches inside the front wall of the vagina. When stimulated, it responds differently than other vaginal tissue.

In addition to rubbing the G-spot, clitoral and/or nipple stimulation are also often needed to reach a vaginal orgasm. Some people can orgasm from vaginal stimulation alone, but it is less common.

How Common Are Vaginal Orgasms?

Research on female orgasm is limited, though some experts note that results can differ based on how the questions are asked and what people think orgasm means. Results of a 2017 study of 1,400 people found:

• Orgasm with vaginal penetration but no clitoral stimulation occurred between 21% and 30% of the time.
• Orgasm with clitoral stimulation at the same time rises to between 51% and 60% of the time.

Research shows outside factors can make achieving orgasm more difficult. This includes:

Other common concerns include body image, low sexual self-esteem, and too many other demands on their time and attention. Only 20% of women blamed their difficulty achieving orgasm on their partner. Some women reported that sex—and orgasms—are not an important part of their relationship.

Having More Orgasms

Orgasm during vaginal penetration is more likely with clitoral stimulation. Research on having more orgasms and making vaginal penetration more pleasurable offers strategies that include:

• Changing sexual positions to increase pressure on the clitoris. Angling the position is a strategy used by 87.5% of the more than 3,000 females studied.
• A “rocking” motion that keeps pressure on the clitoris during penetration, used by 76%
• A “shallowing” stimulation right at the vaginal opening, using fingertips or sex toys, by 84%
• Direct clitoral touching during penetration, either by themselves or their partners, for 69.7%

Communication is also essential. Some people find intense clitoral stimulation to be uncomfortable or even painful. For them, it is not the right way to achieve more orgasms.

What if You Can’t Orgasm?

“Anorgasmia” is the medical term for the inability to achieve an orgasm. A study of healthcare providers treating female sexual dysfunction reported it was the chief complaint in 5% of people seeking help.

This may not reflect all cases, which can affect people at different times and for varied reasons. Sometimes, there may be anatomical or structural causes. Research suggests that a smaller clitoris size, farther from the vaginal opening, occurs in some people who don’t have orgasms. This also may affect transgender females.

Other causes can include:

• Infections that lead to pain during sex
• Underlying physical health conditions, like multiple sclerosis
• Underlying mental health challenges, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Drug or alcohol use disorder
• Certain medications, including common mental health drugs like Prozac (fluoxetine)

If you experience anorgasmia or other forms of sexual dysfunction, it may be helpful to talk to a professional, such as a gynecologist, mental health professional, or sex therapist.

A healthcare provider will be able to determine if there is a medical reason why you are having trouble achieving orgasm. A therapist may be able to offer helpful suggestions.

How to Orgasm

Becoming more comfortable with your own body can be helpful if you want to achieve orgasm. It will help you understand how you respond to a partner’s touch, the kinds of touch you enjoy, and what type you don’t. You can try:

• Erotic thoughts: Learn how to have what a sex therapy instructor would call “sexy thoughts,” which are those associated with arousal.
• Masturbation: This may be difficult for some people, as religious, cultural, or other factors can make some people uncomfortable with self-stimulation.
• Visual stimuli: This can include watching romantic movies, reading erotic books, or watching pornography. Different types of images can initiate arousal. Concentrating on your responses and bodily sensations is an essential first step.

This process can take some time. When combined with safe experiences of touch, erotic thoughts may help you experience orgasm.