The Big O: 5 Types of Orgasms and Tips for Experiencing Them

The orgasm is a curious thing. What one person experiences as a mind-blowing full-body sensation, another may perceive as a subtle release of tension confined to a specific area.

This article covers some of the most common types of orgasms and gives a bit of background on each one.

What is an orgasm?

An orgasm is a complex physiological and psychological response to sexual stimulation. It’s often described as a peak of sexual pleasure and release, accompanied by intense physical and emotional sensations.

However, as certified sex educator and resident sexologist for Fleshy, Suzannah Weiss explains, there are exceptions to this definition.

“Some people say they experience orgasms in all different ways: through nipple stimulation, through breath work, and even just through the power of thought,” Weiss says. “Pelvic contractions may not accompany these orgasms, but they do elicit similar changes in the brain and hormone levels that genital orgasms do!”

5 Types of Orgasms

Pleasure is a spectrum, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to orgasms. While some people may be most familiar with genital orgasms, other common types include:

Clitoral Orgasm

According to a *groundbreaking* study published in The Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy, 37% of women need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm.

The clitoris is an intricate organ that appears as a small nub located at the top of the vulva (this is where we get “flicking the bean” from). But the clitoris isn’t just a tiny button on the vulva — it’s a complex network of nerve endings that extends up to four inches into the body.

A clitoral orgasm is the result of direct or indirect stimulation to the clitoris, either through manual or oral stimulation, using sex toys, grinding against a partner’s body, or even through certain positions during penetrative sex.

“People tend to describe clitoral orgasms as sharp, intense peaks,” says Weiss. “For someone with a penis, a penis-based orgasm is most similar to a clitoral orgasm, as the clitoris and penis develop from the same tissue.”

G-Spot Orgasm

Let’s not forget about the elusive G-spot orgasm. The G-spot is, essentially, a part of the internal clitoris. Though that may depend on who you talk to — the jury is still out on the exact nature of the G-spot.

Stimulating the G-spot (which is located just a few inches inside the vagina on the front vaginal wall) can lead to intense pleasure and, in some cases, squirting.

Vaginal Orgasm

A vaginal orgasm can be achieved through stimulation of the vaginal canal and surrounding areas, such as the anterior fornix or the A-spot, which is just beneath the cervix. (The A-spot is much deeper inside the vagina compared to the G-spot.)

“Some people dislike this term as it stems back to Sigmund Freud stating that women’s pleasure shifted from the clitoris to the vagina as they matured and that it is immature to experience clitoral orgasms,” says Weiss. “The vaginal orgasm is not entirely a misogynistic myth, though (even if the idea that it’s immature not to have them is),” Weiss continues. “Some people do report having vaginal orgasms, which can be elicited through stimulation of the vaginal walls via penetration with a finger, penis, or dildo.”

Anal Orgasm

Anal play or sex can also lead to mind-blowing pleasure. This is because the anus and rectum are so close to the vagina and clitoris that any stimulation in this area has the power to indirectly awaken those sensitive nerve endings, potentially resulting in orgasm.

The perineum area, which is the space between the anus and genitals, is super sensitive and can contribute to intense pleasure during anal play too.

“If you want to experiment with anal play, use lots of lube and go slowly,” says Weiss. “and if you use a toy, use something with a flared base,” Weiss continues. “For someone with a penis, the prostate can be targeted via anal stimulation, which is said to be like the male G-spot and produce a very intense orgasm.”

Nipple Orgasm

Studies show that stimulating the breasts, chest, and nipples can lead to powerful orgasms in some individuals. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering the nipples have numerous nerve endings and are connected to the pleasure centers in the brain.

“Some people can orgasm through nipple stimulation — through rubbing, sucking, or vibration on the nipples,” says Weiss. “People describe these as more full-bodied than genital orgasms, though they can feel similar; they’re just centered in the nipples.”

The key to having a nipple orgasm? Keep your mind open to new sensations and explore different types of touch, pressure, and stimulation in the nipple area. Weiss recommends moaning when you or your partner touch those sensitive erogenous zones to signal to the brain that these sensations are pleasurable and can lead to orgasm.