What is a female orgasm? Female orgasms are not always easy to classify, as they can originate from multiple places or contain pleasure in different areas.  Most female orgasms involve sensations of intense pleasure, which can spike or grow in some form of pattern, and may also trigger contraction of muscle groups.  Most females are unique in their traits of preference and receptiveness to stimulation.

What can trigger a female orgasm? Stimulation can be mental or physical, with climax achievable from either or a combination of the two.  Pressure stimulation is the first type of physical stimulation, which typically involves shifting of blood from one sensitive tissue to the next.  The second stimulation is friction where skin or tissue is rubbed.  Pleasurable stretching sensation is a third type of sensation.

Stimulation Areas: Clitoris The clitoris is a small shaft of erectile tissue that may protrude from the vulva or may be mostly internal to the vulva. It is connected to several other shafts of erectile tissue inside the vulva, which encircle the vagina.  Its external tip can be very sensitive, and its receptiveness to stimulation can vary with arousal. It is often more sooner receptive to stimulation compared to other areas. It can be both stimulated with friction as well as pressure. It can be stimulated by friction without moving the structure itself such as lightly grazing the tip.  It can also be stimulated by pushing its entire structure in different directions, which stimulates the internal structures for differing sensations. Because of the internal shafts or “legs” of the clitoris that encircle the vagina, pressure and motion in and around the entrance to the vagina may cause clitoral type stimulation. The feeling of “fullness” may be associated with an object of girth pressing on the clitoral legs just inside the vagina.

Stimulation Areas: G-Spot The urethra is lined with a varied amount of erectile or spongy tissue, which varies in size and sensitivity.  There are also glands in this area that can secrete fluids, which vary in amount from person to person. The G-Spot can be found just inside the vagina along the anterior wall, and typically is mostly sensitive to pressure.  It can be pressed toward the front of the pelvis against the pelvic bone, with either gentle or very firm pressure, the latter more applicable to higher arousal levels. When the erectile tissue is engorged, it can often be squished between a finger on each side.  Its state of receptiveness to stimulation varies by time due to other factors such as overall arousal or stimulation that is occurring in other areas.  It may also be more receptive if another orgasm was recently achieved.  It is less receptive when not aroused, and may cause the undesired sensation of needing to urinate.  This area can be associated with a “squirting orgasm” by some women, which is a particular sensation of a type of orgasm that may or may not involve a release of fluid.  Some women can have this type of orgasm without stimulating this area.

Stimulation Areas: A-Spot (Anterior fornix) At the end of the vagina, the uterus and its position may shift the direction of an erect penis in one of two fornix pockets, in front or behind the opening of the uterus, the cervix.  Actual uterus location and angle will vary from woman to woman, and may not be in the same location as the diagrams. The non-aroused location of the uterus often guides the erection into the anterior location, which is in between the belly button and uterus. When in this location, the depth of the the vagina is limited, and the penis can only enter so far, typically between 3 to 5 inches.  This area of the vagina and the cervix may not be receptive to stimulation, and may be referenced the feeling to having their uterus or cervix “pounded”.  As arousal increases, the cervix may accept pressure and some women enjoy pressure or friction on the cervix.  Another positive of this penis location is its direction toward the belly button which can put pressure on the G-Spot. Skilled partners can exploit the positives of this situation without causing discomfort.

Stimulation Areas: P-Spot (Posterior fornix) The uterus may shift its position, often during arousal, which allow easier access for the erect penis to enter the rear fornix.  In this position, the penis can contact the cervix and slips past it into a softer area of the vagina, which can usually stretch to accommodate a longer erection. The stretching effect itself can be stimulating, but may also allow the male pelvis to contact the clitoris for direct stimulation. The reciprocating motion in which the penis head grazes the cervix can be positive in place of previous direct impact pressure which is may not desired in some cases. The arousal level also can increase receptiveness level to friction on the cervix.  Often a skilled partner can determine the location of the uterus by feel and resistance to insertion, and modify the angle of erection or take note of when the uterus moves during intercourse.  If the uterus moves, it moves slowly during general arousal, and more quickly as orgasm approaches or is in progress.

Stimulation Areas: Anus The skin around the anus and the anus itself is very sensitive to touch, but stimulation reception may vary inside the anal cavity.  Often sensitive area may be located in one particular direction, such as toward the vagina.  Penetration of the anal cavity with an erection or object can allow access to stimulate other areas, due to very close proximity. The clitoral legs, G-Spot, A-Spot, P-Spot and cervix can all be stimulated by pressure through the anal cavity. An important variable for anal stimulation is arousal level, as muscle relaxation can aid in access and reception to stimulation.

Stimulation Areas: Vagina The vagina itself can have sensation to friction and stretching, both at its entrance and along various parts deeper in the vaginal canal. Some women may be more sensitive at a shallower depth and around the labia, with others having sensitivity deeper in.

Stimulation Modifiers: Menstrual cycle or emotional state During the range of the menstrual cycle, overall natural arousal levels may vary, as well as receptiveness to some stimulation.  For example, the nipples may be more receptive to stimulation during a period, and arousal factors may be different.  Some genitals areas may be less sensitive or more sensitive.  Emotional state of mind and stress also have factors, and often affect every other variable.

Stimulation Modifiers: Pain Arousal levels can also influence tolerance for pain, sometimes even making it an ingredient in pleasure enhancement.  For example, spanking, biting, pinching, or vigorous thrusting can all add an excitement element that can enhance other pleasure sensations or trigger them on their own.  Mixing of sensations can contribute to blended orgasms.

Stimulation Modifiers: Breathing, choking During arousal, minor hyperventilation is common and can influence arousal and reception to stimulus.  By controlling breathing, rhythmic sensations can be enhanced or orgasms more easily triggered.  The practice of choking during arousal is actually not done with airway restriction, but gentle restriction of the blood vessels in the neck, next to the throat.

Changes in situation or patterns can be a trigger or deterrent for an orgasm.  A common phrase is “don’t stop what you are doing” which indicates a positive feedback loop with the stimulation that may lead to climax.  If the stimulation is interrupted or changed, the loop may not always immediately start again.  Change in stimulation also can sometimes be a positive trigger, where desire for another type of stimulation builds.  A common situation is when vaginal stimulation is purposefully ignored or teased by providing stimulation in other areas, which may create receptiveness to vaginal stimulation.

Orgasm Type: Clitoris An orgasm involving mostly the clitoris is often described as intense both mentally and physically. Many describe it as reaching mountain peak with one or multiple points at the top which decline quickly. The clitoris is often involved in some fashion to achieve any other the types of orgasm, and can cause a refractory period with over sensitivity shortly after orgasm.  This trait of refractory period can be similar in males and females.

Orgasm Type: G-Spot The pleasure and orgasm triggered by the G-Spot is often referenced more as building wave with a smoother peak that can repeat or maintain its intensity.  This longer peak can make other areas receptive to stimulation or allow triggering an orgasm on their own; combining the two types into what can be called a blended orgasm. The G-Spot generally does not enter a refractory period the same as the clitoris, with the possibility of continued stimulation and further climax.  At the peak of climax, constant pressure can be held on the G-Spot against the pubic bone, for possible extended sensations or extended orgasm.  

Orgasm Type: A-Spot Some women enjoy sensations and pressure on their uterus, while others may not.  They may also be sensitive to friction in certain deeper areas of their anterior vaginal wall.  This influences if an orgasm can be triggered in this area. Because of the nature of thrusting, often rhythm is involved which can interrupted or exaggerate the feedback loop. Because some women have a sensitive uterus, care may need to be taken with thrusting after orgasm if the penis is still impacting the uterus.

Orgasm Type: P-Spot The mechanics of stimulating the P-Spot typically involves deep insertion and rhythmic motion, which leads it to more of a repeating build-up of pleasure with smoother multiple peaks.  The longer peaks of pleasure leans this type of orgasm to mix well with other orgasms for a blended orgasm.  Friction on the cervix by the glans of the penis can either be positive or negative, and the change in friction as the penis enters this area may be noticed by one or both participants.

Orgasm Type: Anal Because of stimulation of other areas near the anal cavity, many describe anal orgasm as similar or the same as other types of orgasms.

Orgasm Type: Nipple, Lips, Hands, Neck The stimulation or feedback provided though non genital sources can combine to trigger an orgasm, with the erect nipples and upper lip being common receptors and may contribute to a blended orgasm.  The neck is also a frequent erogenous zone that is sensitive to stimulation.  On their own, these other sources are more rare to trigger an orgasm but it can happen with very high arousal.  Combining any of these stimulation with situational knowledge can help trigger a mental orgasm.  An example is an orgasm that occurs when using the hands to feel a partner orgasm.

Orgasm Type: Mental Some women possess the ability to orgasm from mental stimulation on its own.  Typically there are more factors at play, such as hormone levels, visual input or other non-sexual touch.  These can increase the blood flow to the sexual organs and increase arousal level.  The aroused organs can provide sensations simply by being engorged, but sometimes this is not necessary for an orgasm to occur.

Orgasm Type: Blended Many women prefer specific sets of orgasms, as they often can be combined to produce sensations stronger than each on their own.  The most common type is vaginal stimulation combined with clitoral stimulation, for example a G-Spot and clitoral orgasm together.  Most types of orgasms can be combined by stimulating both at the same time, or some can be triggered simply by the action of the other orgasm. An example is that some women may experience a “squirting” G-Spot orgasm if stimulation is shifted from the G-Sport to the clitoris when edged close to climax.

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Orgasm Type: Procedural Stimulation in some areas may only be receptive after certain prerequisites are met.  The overall sum of mental and physical arousal level can help increase reception, such as when the G-Spot becomes engorged through other means of stimulation or excitement.  This often means that intercourse is not pleasurable before a certain arousal level is met, which is why many people prefer foreplay before intercourse.

Another example is that a clit orgasm by itself may cause refractory period, but when chaining a G-Spot orgasm and then a clitoris orgasm, a less stressful clitoris orgasm could be triggered and may not have a refractory period at all.  An A-Spot orgasm could be chained before or after a G-Spot orgasm, by alternating thrusting of the penis with rocking of the penis. A P-Spot orgasm can follow after the other types of orgasms, due to the uterus changing location during the first orgasm.  

Chaining orgasms can also differ by stopping just short of an orgasm, which is called teasing/edging, and changing the stimulation, usually in a specific order.  For example, vigorous clit stimulation sometimes can not as easily be transitioned away from as receptively as gentle clitoris stimulation.  There are also exceptions, where arousal level can override restrictions to stimulation.  When on the edge of orgasm, sometimes other areas can be more receptive to stimulation and then orgasm.  For example, after intense clitoris and G-Spot teasing, nipple stimulation or upper lip stimulation alone can trigger an orgasm.  A benefit of these “switch” tease orgasms is that there is a possibility of no refractory periods and anxiety for another immediate orgasm only increased. Teasing and switching is a common type of foreplay used for building desire for vaginal types of stimulation involving insertion.  

Illustration of intercourse anterior to the cervix, limiting insertion:

Illustration of intercourse toward posterior to the cervix, allowing deeper insertion: