Are Vaginal Orgasms Real?

Vaginal orgasms are a real thing. However, not every woman has this type of orgasm—and that's completely normal too.

An orgasm—a pleasurable release of sexual tension—is caused by different types of sexual stimulation. Everyone experiences orgasms in their own way. What stimulates an orgasm varies from person to person. It can even change from day to day or with different partners.

This article discusses vaginal orgasms. It explains the biomechanics behind vaginal orgasms and the steps you can take to achieve one.

What Is an Orgasm?

Orgasm is usually defined as a series of rhythmic contractions of the genital muscles followed by relaxation.

In men, orgasm is typically accompanied by ejaculation (the release of semen). In someone with female genitalia, the moment of orgasm is more subtle. It can last a few moments, linger continuously for several moments, or rise, then fade and rise again.

A female orgasm can arise from clitoral, vaginal, nipple, or other erogenous zone stimulation. Often, a combination of factors is at play. Sometimes, orgasms can even occur without any sexual stimulation.

Sexual pleasure comes in many forms, and the experience of orgasm can vary from person to person. Some women count orgasms by the number of contractions they experience. Others count orgasms by clusters of contractions.

A sexual encounter can involve anything from multiple orgasms or none. Making orgasming your goal can distract you from enjoyment and make climax difficult.

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. Some women may also ejaculate (squirt) during a vaginal orgasm.

Not all women experience vaginal orgasms. While they are very real, it is a myth that they are more common (or more satisfying) than clitoral orgasms.

Some people have one type of orgasm, some the other. Some can orgasm both ways, and some can't orgasm at all.

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 difficult-to-define location. Experts aren’t sure if it is an actual anatomical area or just a highly sensitive area. Some scientists theorize the G-spot is the root of the clitoris muscle felt on the inside.

The exact location of the G-spot is different in every woman. It is generally found roughly two inches inside the front wall of the vagina. When stimulated, it responds differently than other vaginal tissue.

To find the G-spot, you or your partner can insert a finger a few inches into the vagina. With the palm up, make a "come here" gesture with the finger a few times.

The G-spot is not always found front and center. You may need to try stimulating areas to the right or left. It could also be higher up or lower. You can also use a sex toy that's meant to stimulate that area.

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 much less common.

How Common Are Vaginal Orgasms?

Research on female orgasms is lacking. One study found that only 6% of women can achieve orgasm through vaginal stimulation alone, and less than half of all women orgasm almost every time they have sex.

Another study found most women who orgasm during vaginal penetration also required clitoral stimulation. Less than one-third of women in that study reported achieving orgasms without any clitoral stimulation.

For some women, vaginal orgasms are elusive. Research shows outside factors can make achieving orgasm more difficult. This includes:

• Fatigue
• Stress
• Difficulty concentrating

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 orgasming on their partner. Some women reported that sex—and orgasms—are not an important part of their relationship.

Having More Orgasms

Not every person cares if they have an orgasm during vaginal sex or at all. However, the research is clear for people who want to have more orgasms during vaginal penetration.

Orgasm during penetration is more likely with clitoral stimulation. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including:

• Changing sexual positions to increase pressure on the clitoris
• Manual stimulation of the clitoris
• The use of sex toys
  

Communication is also important. 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 a medical term for the inability to achieve an orgasm. Don't lose hope if you have never had an orgasm and would like to. A small percentage of women will never experience orgasm. A much larger group, though, doesn't have orgasms until later in life.

A combination of mental and physical factors may play a role in anorgasmia. These things can make it hard for some people to experience orgasm.

If you experience anorgasmia or other forms of sexual dysfunction, it may be helpful to talk to a professional. This could be a gynecologist, a primary care doctor, or even a sex therapist.

A doctor 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

Masturbation can help you learn to orgasm. This may be difficult for some people. Religious, cultural, or other factors can make some people uncomfortable with self-stimulation.

Becoming more comfortable with your own body can be helpful, though. It will make it easier to understand how you respond to a partner's touch, what kinds of touch you enjoy, and what kinds you don't.

It can also be helpful to learn how to have what a sex therapy instructor would call "sexy thoughts." Sexy thoughts are thoughts associated with arousal.

For some people, these thoughts occur when watching romantic movies. For others, they may happen when reading or watching pornography. Concentrating on these thoughts is an important first step.

This is a process that can take time. When combined with safe experiences of touch, sexy thoughts may help you experience orgasm.

Summary

A vaginal orgasm is not more normal than a clitoral orgasm. Many people with vaginas report that they need clitoral stimulation in order to have an orgasm.

You can increase the number of orgasms you have by including clitoral stimulation during intercourse. You may also be able to have an orgasm if you have never had one. This can be achieved by becoming more comfortable with your body and learning to think "sexy thoughts."

If you don't learn to have an orgasm or don't want to, there's nothing wrong with that. Many people have healthy, happy sexual lives without wanting or having orgasms. And, for some people, a healthy, happy life may be one that doesn't include sex at all.