What is an orgasm? An orgasm is an emotional and physical experience that occurs during a “sexual response cycle”. Before an orgasm, your body becomes increasingly excited. Breathing, heart rate and blood pressure increases. The pupils of the eyes dilate; the lips of the mouth darken, the nipples become erect, the clitoris swells, becomes hard and exposed, (much like the aroused penis). With increased excitement, the skin becomes flushed and it begins to sweat.

In women, the labia, clitoris, vagina and pelvic organs enlarge in very much the same way as the aroused penis enlarges. Sometimes there is a plateau of excitement which is held for several minutes before you are about to orgasm.

Orgasm is the point at which all the tension is suddenly released in a series of involuntary and pleasurable muscular contractions that may be felt in the vagina and/or uterus (some women do experience orgasms without contractions).

The orgasm happens when excitement seems to go over the edge -- a climax or crescendo is reached which may last several seconds or longer. During orgasm the body stiffens and the muscles contract. Involuntary muscle contractions and spasms may occur in various parts of the body, including your legs, stomach, arms, and back. The muscles of the vagina relax and contract rapidly, as do the muscles of the uterus. The glands of the vagina (Bartholin's glands) discharge a watery secretion, which acts to lubricate the vagina.

The main physical changes that occur during a sexual experience are a result of vasocongestion. This is the accumulation of blood in various parts of the body. Muscular tension increases and other changes occur throughout your body also.

Multiple Orgasm in Women
It’s no secret that many women have multiple orgasms. Masters and Johnson documented this occurrence more than 25 years ago. But, do they serve a purpose besides from a pleasurable one? Theories suggest that muscular contractions associated with orgasms pull sperm from the vagina to the cervix, where it's in better position to reach the egg. Researchers believe that if a woman climaxes up until 45 minutes after her lover ejaculates, she will retain significantly more sperm than she does after non-orgasmic sex.

Endorphins

Orgasms cause a release of endorphins into one's spinal fluid. Endorphins are also somewhat responsible for the emotion of happiness, pleasure, calming effect and so on.

The Endorphin Mystery
Many researchers believe that strenuous exercise releases endorphins into the blood stream. Others agree that endorphins are released during orgasm, as well as during laughter. Endorphins are a group of substances formed within the body that naturally relieve pain. They have a similar chemical structure to morphine. In addition to their analgesic affect, endorphins are thought to be involved in controlling the body's response to stress, regulating contractions of the intestinal wall, and determining mood.

It also seems that endorphin stimulation may occur with frequent sex and masturbation. These are the belief of many researchers, we are just providing you with the information, you decide if you want to impress the biology class with this knowledge, or whomever.

There is no evidence that too much sex (or exercise or laughter, for that matter) and consequential elevated levels of endorphins have any kind of endorphin depletion effect -- that is depletion of bodily endorphins, which could lead to depression. It is believed that endorphins are "recycled" by the body as are other brain chemicals. There currently is research being done to evaluate the full range of endorphins' functions in the body, especially how they relate to the prevention of illness and their beneficial affects in cancer and depressed patients.

What's The Difference Between Clitoral and Vaginal Orgasms?

The difference between a "clitoral" and a "vaginal" orgasm is where you are being stimulated to achieve orgasm, not where you feel the orgasm. This may clear up some of the confusion around this common question. The clitoris has a central role in elevating feelings of sexual tension. During sexual excitement, the clitoris swells and changes position. The blood vessels through the whole pelvic area also swell, causing engorgement and creating a feeling a fullness and sexual sensitivity. Your inner vaginal lips swell and change shape. Your vagina balloons upward, and your uterus shifts position in your pelvis.

For some women, the outer third of their vagina and the cervix are also very sensitive or even more sensitive than the clitoris. When stimulated during intercourse or other vaginal penetration, these women do have intense orgasms. This would be what is referred to as a vaginal orgasm -- without clitoral stimulation. (Sigmund Freud made a pronouncement that the "mature" woman has orgasms only when her vagina, but not her clitoris, is stimulated). This of course, made the man's penis central to a woman's sexual satisfaction. Many sexual health experts still disagree about any actual female ejaculation, although you will find plenty of web sites that will want to teach you how to do this for a fee, here you can check it out for free. For more on the often misunderstood G-Spot, see that page.

In reality, orgasms are a very individual experience and there is no one correct pattern of sexual response. Whatever feels wonderful to you, makes you feel alive and happy, AND connected with your partner is what matters. Enjoy!

Learning how to masturbate often helps a woman orgasm when she is with her partner; for more see the “how to masturbate” page.

Need help with sexual positions that would enhance your experience? See: Orgasm Positions

Recommended Reading: Click on book for more or to purchase.

Pheromones - The Power of Scent

Book: The Good Vibrations Guide to Sex: The Indispensable Companion to a Happy and Healthy Sex Life.

Think Lubrication (before penetration).

  To Male Orgasm ...

For more on the phases of an orgasm, and orgasm benefits, go to those pages.

For more recommended reading, page 24

For More About Your Sexuality, See Sex Stuff, or Sex Trivia for fun