Orgasm (Climax) - What does orgasm mean in women & men? EVERYTHING you need to know

Orgasm is the peak of sexual arousal and manifests itself through extremely intense physical sensations. Although both women and men can reach orgasm, it manifests itself differently. During orgasm the sexual tension builds to a peak and the pressure in your body and genitals is released.

What does orgasm (climax) mean?

Although there is no general definition of the term orgasm, it is most often described as a pleasant release of sexual tension. In women, orgasm is considered the third or even fourth phase of the sexual arousal process. It comes after the phase of anticipation, of increasing excitement and after the plateau.

During orgasm, the body feels a series of physical sensations:

• involuntary release of muscle tension

• a series of muscle contractions

• verbal and auditory displays of pleasure

• increased heart rate and breathing
  

Phases of female orgasm

In their research, Masters and Johnson developed the idea of a physiological process of orgasm in four phases: arousal, plateau, orgasm and resolution. This perspective on phases differs among researchers. Some believe that there are only 3 phases, while others believe that the 4 phases are anticipation, arousal, plateau and orgasm.

arousal

According to the Masters-Johnson model, the first phase of the female orgasm is arousal. What exactly does this mean? During female stimulation - whether we are talking about physiological or psychological stimulation - the blood vessels in the genital area dilate. The increased blood supply causes fluid to pass through the vaginal walls and the vulva becomes swollen and moist. The upper part of the vagina expands. In this phase, the pulse and blood pressure increase, and breathing becomes rapid. Due to dilated blood vessels, the person turns red, especially in the face and neck area.

Plateau

At the plateau, the blood flow flows towards the vaginal opening, and it becomes firm. The breasts may increase in size and the increased blood flow to the areola makes the nipples appear less erect. The clitoris pulls back and feels like it's disappearing.

Orgasm

During orgasm the genital muscles contract every 0.8 seconds. During or before orgasm it is possible for a liquid to flow from the vulva. This is called female ejaculation, but not all women go through this experience. In some cases this does not happen, which is perfectly normal. Unlike men, women do not have a recovery period after orgasm, so they can have subsequent orgasms due to repeated stimulation.

resolution

In the resolution phase the body easily returns to its initial state. The pulse decreases and breathing becomes normal. Since endorphins are released during orgasm, it is normal for feelings of relaxation, happiness and even fatigue to set in during the resolution phase. Immediately after orgasm it is also normal for the clitoris to be sensitive to touch and overstimulated.

The phases of orgasm in men (ejaculation)

The male orgasm is also a very complex physiological phenomenon, the culmination of which is ejaculation. According to the Masters-Johnson model, the male orgasm also has four well-defined phases.

arousal

Stimulating the man, whether physical or psychological, can lead to an erection. The blood reaches a spongy tissue that runs the length of the penis and causes the penis to grow in size and become rigid. The testicles rise toward the body as the scrotum tightens.

Plateau

During the plateau phase, the blood vessels in and around the penis continue to fill with blood. This causes the glans and testicles to increase in size. Moreover, the muscles of the thighs and buttocks tighten, the blood pressure rises, the pulse becomes fast and the breathing rate increases.

Orgasm

At orgasm, sperm enters the urethra through a series of contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the vas deferens. Contractions of the pelvic floor muscles and the prostate gland also force sperm out of the penis in a process called ejaculation.

resolution

For men, the resolution phase is characterized by a recovery period. It can last from a few minutes to a few days, and it varies from person to person. This period becomes longer as men get older. In this phase, the penis and testicles return to their original size. Breathing may be heavy and rapid, and the pulse will be increased.

How to reach orgasm?

For men, direct penetration is often very effective in achieving orgasm. For women, this process can be more complex, as there is also a need for foreplay with moments of imagination stimulation and careful groping.

Although we most often think of reaching orgasm with a partner, it is important to know that it is also possible without. Often women in particular reach orgasm faster with the help of masturbation, in about 8 minutes.

In order to successfully reach orgasm it is important to keep in mind some useful tips and essentials that can make a big difference to your sex life.

1. Foreplay is of great importance in stimulating the senses

2. For women, clitoral stimulation is a key element to achieving orgasm

3. The pace of intimate interaction is also very important. Sometimes you may want a light, sensual rhythm, and other times a faster and more intense one.

4. Don't forget about communication. Having a clear discussion with your partner always helps in intimate relationships so that both of you are on the same page.

5. Communication goes hand in hand with trust. As long as you trust your partner and talk freely, things will be much more enjoyable for both of you.

When you're in the mood for something new and ready to experiment, sex toys shouldn't be forgotten. Erotic shops, whether brick-and-mortar or online, have evolved a lot over the years, and now there's something for everyone.

Types of orgasm

Orgasm in men is characterized by ejaculation. In the case of women, there are several types of orgasm depending on the area that is excited during intimate contact. It is widely accepted that women can have up to 10 different types of orgasm. However, as sex toys develop and the world gains the courage to experiment more and more in the bedroom, there are adventurers who say that ladies and gentlemen can have as many as 14 different types of orgasm.

Anal Orgasm

The anus consists of very sensitive nerve endings. This makes it one of the most erogenous zones for women. Anal orgasm is one of the most physically intense. During it the muscle contractions felt will not be inside the vagina, but will be contractions of the anal canal and the sphincter. Although the anal orgasm may present a slight sensation of discomfort, it does not last long.

Vaginal Orgasm

  These types of orgasm occur inside the body and are usually accompanied by pulsations of the walls of the vaginal canal. Due to the many nerve endings it is made of, the vagina is an extremely sensitive and erogenous area. When the G-spot —a specific spot about 2 inches inside the front vaginal wall—is stimulated, this stimulation causes female ejaculation and leads to vaginal orgasm.

The G-spot differs from woman to woman, so it is often difficult to find. Recent studies have revealed that the G-spot may even be part of the clitoral network.

Clitoral Orgasm

The clitoral orgasm is very popular among women and often the easiest to achieve. The clitoral orgasm lasts somewhere between 20 and 30 seconds, but is weaker than the vaginal one. It is characterized by an intense state of pleasure that gradually diminishes. To achieve clitoral orgasm it is usually good to start light and gentle because the clitoral arousal can last. As your body adjusts continue with more pressure and speed. Different techniques can give rise to different types of sensations and pleasure.

Combined/Mixed Orgasm

Combined orgasm is achieved when the vagina and clitoris are stimulated at the same time. The result is often much more explosive. Sometimes these combined orgasms are accompanied by whole-body tremors.

Erogenous Orgasm

Erogenous orgasm occurs when less known erogenous parts of the body are stimulated (ears, nipples, neck, elbows, knees, etc.). When these areas are excited - by touch, kiss, play - they lead to a pleasant release of energy. Some people describe the orgasm that follows as being felt throughout the body, unlike other types of orgasms.

Convulsive Orgasm

Convulsive orgasms are orgasms that lead to repeated convulsions of the pelvic floor muscles that follow one another at a rapid pace. These orgasms usually occur after a long stage of arousal. Convulsive orgasm can be helped by repeated arousal stopped just before the moment of orgasm. Over-stimulation to orgasm will thus lead to the occurrence of convulsive orgasm.

Multiple orgasm

A person can experience several orgasms in a short period of time. Because women need a shorter recovery period than men, they can experience multiple orgasms during a single intercourse.

The benefits of orgasm

If you think about the benefits of orgasm, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the feeling of pleasure. However, it is by no means the only one. Orgasm has a number of important benefits for both physical and mental health.

During an orgasm, a hormone called oxytocin is released. This hormone has a number of benefits such as:

• reducing the level of anxiety

• reducing the risk of heart disease

• reducing the risk of certain types of cancer such as ovarian cancer or cervical cancer

Moreover, it is scientifically proven that orgasm has a beneficial impact during menstruation . It can reduce the intensity of abdominal pain, back pain, breast pain and migraines.

Orgasmic disorders

Orgasmic disorders are conditions that can cause feelings of frustration, uncertainty, shame or distress for both the sufferer and their partner. It is important, therefore, to know what orgasmic disorders are and what are their causes

Anorgasm in women - Lack of orgasm

Anorgasm in women is an orgasmic disorder characterized by the absence or significant delay of orgasms after sufficient stimulation. Its causes can be physical - gynecological problems or the use of certain types of drugs, such as antidepressant or antiepileptic drugs - or psychological - anxiety or depression.

Anorgasm in men

Anorgasm in men is similar to anorgasm in women. It is also characterized by the absence or significant delay of orgasms after sufficient stimulation. Anorgasm in men can be a lifelong disorder or occur in specific situations. The causes can be physical, such as a low testosterone level, or psychological - anxiety, depression. Certain medications such as antidepressants can also induce anorgasm in men.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation occurs when men ejaculate before reaching orgasm. This can happen for various reasons, but most of the time they are based on psychological factors such as anxiety or biological factors such as hormone levels or nerve damage.

Why don't I have an orgasm?

Sometimes physical and psycho-emotional health can negatively affect orgasms. Elements such as anxiety, self-esteem, lack of confidence, lack of the right partner or certain physical conditions can stop you from having an orgasm.

In the case of women, there are a number of elements that can negatively affect orgasm

• orgasmic disorders such as anorgasm in women

• lack of sufficient stimulation

• lack of self-confidence

• lack of the right partner

• lack of communication between partners

• problems in married life

• certain prejudices or taboos such as the idea that menopause means the end of sexual life

• traumatic events in the past

• health problems or surgical interventions in the vagina area

• mood disorders - depression, anxiety

There are also in the case of men a series of elements that can lead to the impossibility of having an orgasm

• male anorgasm and premature ejaculation

• depression, anxiety or other mood disorders

• lack of self-confidence, complexes about sexual performance

• injuries of the pelvic nerves

• surgery on the prostate or urethra

• low level of hormones - either thyroid or testosterone

• problems in married life

• lack of communication between partners

Other curiosities related to orgasm

Find out the answer to the most frequently asked questions about orgasm!

How long does an orgasm last?

Orgasm usually lasts between 3 and 15 seconds. However, there are cases of long orgasm lasting between 20 seconds and 2 minutes.

Can men have multiple orgasms?

Men need a longer recovery time between orgasms so it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours before they have a second orgasm. There are also cases of multiple orgasm in men, but in that case they will not always ejaculate.

What is a squirt?

Squirting is when a liquid flows from a woman's vulva, during or after orgasm.

What do you feel when you orgasm?

When you have an orgasm, you feel a release of accumulated tension, a sensation of physical pleasure that can lead to ecstasy, and finally a pleasant feeling of calmness and fatigue.

How many times can a woman have an orgasm?

Although women can have multiple orgasms, this only happens in 43% of cases. However, there is no scientifically accurate number of the number of orgasms a woman can have in the case of a multiple orgasm.