Why do we orgasm? What happens to our bodies when we orgasm? How can we reach climax?
We will address these topics of female sexual health, but first, understand that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let's not pretend our sex life is grand if it actually isn’t. Let's have a constructive conversation around the struggle of being a woman who is, or wants to be sexually active. Let us help you have your best orgasm yet.
What's the Purpose of the Female Orgasm?
The why of the female orgasm is a bit of a mystery.
Some current research on the female orgasm points to the idea that there is no concrete evolutionary function or benefit behind a woman climaxing. One theory suggests that female orgasms are a phased-out function from a time when hormones were linked with orgasming to help ovulation. However, plenty of evidence counters such sentiments, showing that orgasms serve the important function of facilitating bonding with a sexual partner by releasing the “cuddle hormone” Oxytocin. And, even if experienced alone, the female orgasm is a woman’s ability to let go of her inhibition, experience pleasure, and boost overall mood.
I want to emphasize that the importance of orgasms should be placed on you as an individual. Societal norms and media heavily influence what a woman's orgasm should be, but individual preference reigns supreme. Ask yourself, “Am I satisfied?” If not, then how can we get you there?
What Happens When I Orgasm?
The full consensus is still up for debate on what takes place physically when a woman experiences climax during sex. Plus, orgasms can vary drastically for each and every woman — because we are all unique! But we do know that most orgasms follow the same cycle.
It all begins with one particularly important sensation:
Engorged Clitoris
The period of arousal causes blood to flow to the female genitals which create a heightened sensitivity in the vaginal area. A woman in a state of arousal experiences elevated blood pressure and heart rate, and heavy breathing. Blood flows to your clitoris so it is engorged, and the more you’re engorged, the more you’re aroused, vise versa.
Muscle Spasms Before Climax
We also know that muscles may twitch or some women may experience spasms as she nears climax. Your orgasm consists of multiple contractions that last less than one second at a time. A shorter orgasm can have five contractions, while a major orgasm might include fifteen contractions. Your leg can even go numb for a hot second.
The one thing we know about the female orgasm is that the experience is not simply linked to one obvious part of the body, the vagina. Instead, changes are observable throughout the entire body as climax approaches.
Should All Orgasms Be Treated Equally?
If you struggle with orgasming, rest assured that the widespread mystery of the female orgasm is attainable and can be experienced through several parts of the body. Some women only experience one type of orgasm through the surest route known as the clitoral orgasm. Others reach a more full‑spectrum array of orgasms through varied stimulation patterns across various physical areas.
Here's a look at the three main types:
- Clitoral stimulation
- Vaginal stimulation (G-spot)
- Stimulation of the breasts or other areas of the body
The variety and capacity of orgasms among all women happen through one of these three pathways and must be sought out and enjoyed to the fullest. In fact, some sexual health researchers believe as many as 12 routes exist to the female orgasm. But as mentioned, most women who achieve orgasm do so through clitoral stimulation. In either case, nerve pathways are seen to be responsible for creating the body-brain response that happens during the female orgasm.
So, Why Do I Have Trouble Orgasming?
Unfortunately, many myths persist regarding why some women have trouble experiencing orgasms. A common misconception is that an inability to experience an orgasm stems from psychological issues, disinterest in sex, trauma or relationship issues. And there is room at the table to discuss the ways those factors could influence a woman's sexual experience, however, they don't apply to every woman.
Many women have trouble achieving orgasms because of physical or biological reasons. Lack of lubrication is often an issue. However, many women overlook the fact that a precursor for lubrication is arousal. Arousal leads to blood flow, and blood flow plays a central role in orgasms. A lack of proper blood flow to the clitoris can make it very difficult to reach the stimulation level needed to climax.
Some women experience orgasm as the ultimate loss of control — a vulnerability that women are socialized to avoid (Laan & Rellini, 2011).
A lesson to be learned here, which can be applied through life, is to let go! Get out of your head and into your body, and experience pleasure with someone who facilitates that comfortable connection between mind, body, and partnership.
Products That Help Women Reach Orgasm
Fortunately, a variety of stimulating creams and lozenges can help intensify and enhance your orgasm. Certain creams allow the blood to flow to the clitoris, which is critical for an orgasmic experience. Many women find that they can easily achieve orgasms through clitoral stimulation once they use proven treatments to stimulate blood flow. What's more, it can be done without a visit to the doctor's office.
Because Health is here to help you move past sexual health disorders with tailored, physician-approved treatments to regain control of your sexual pleasure.
