There Are at Least 10 Different Types of Orgasms, According to Sex Experts

Clitoral

The most common type of orgasm involves stimulating the clitoris and vulvar areas directly, leading to increased blood flow to the area. “This causes the clitoris to become engorged, which triggers in the brain and muscle spasms that produce the orgasmic release,” says Megwyn White, Certified Sexologist and Director of Education at Satisfyer. “The clitoris is the most sensitive pleasure organ in the body containing more than 10,000 nerve endings.”

A clitoral orgasm is the easiest, most accessible, and most intense type of orgasm for Suzannah Weiss, which can be elicited through masturbation, fingering, oral sex, or vibrators. She feels a strong buildup of sexual tension and pleasure that then releases in a series of pelvic contractions, leading to a feeling of complete sexual satisfaction. “My clitoris feels almost uncomfortable to touch afterward, but I can usually have another orgasm or two by using very strong stimulation, such as with a vibrator or manual stimulation with firm pressure, which kind of wakes my clit back up,” Weiss says.

Vaginal

For vaginal orgasm, direct stimulation of the penis results in increased blood flow to the penile tissues, leading to the same effect. It’s important to note that the clitoris and the surrounding internal tissues play a huge role in triggering arousal via vaginal stimulation. “There are ways to support orgasms from vaginal stimulation, but most often they occur when there is indirect stimulation of the clitoris during sexual activity via the G-spot,” White says. 

Weiss experienced only three vaginal orgasms in her lifetime. She described them as similar to clitoral orgasms, yet somewhat unsatisfying because they felt like only the lower portion of her genitals was involved. This aligns with the understanding that vaginal orgasms often result from stimulation of the internal clitoris, which may not fully engage the entire clitoral structure.

“One vaginal orgasm I experienced was through fingering myself and two were with a dildo,” she says. “They all occurred when I had spent several days masturbating and building up sexual arousal without allowing myself to orgasm.” She thinks her body was so desperate for an orgasm that it was able to take an atypical path there.

G-Spot

Similar to vaginal stimulation, the G-spot is an erogenous zone located in the upper wall within the first third of the vagina where the internal clitoris flanks both the vagina and the urethral sponge. This area is packed with nerve endings and erectile tissue that can become aroused with focused stimulation. 

“Generally, you can find it by angling two fingers inside about 1-3 inches,” Forcier explains. “As arousal builds, the tissues here will become like a sponge that is filling gently with water and will be more exposed to touch.” For most people with G-spots, this area requires consistent and focused stimulation to reach orgasm. 

She further adds that there is not a lot of research. Still, many people believe that the G-spot, located on the front wall, mid-vagina, might be another sex organ or merely a complex group of nerves that are very closely connected to the sexual responses of the brain and pelvic floor.

Cervix Orgasm

While not as well-known as the G-spot, “the C-spot or the cervix” is toward the back of the vagina and can be highly sensitive for some women. “The cervix has nerves that are located throughout the entire pelvis, so cervical orgasms may result in an orgasm that can spread throughout the whole body,” White says.

Penetrative sex, whether with a toy or a penis, can stimulate vaginal orgasms, or orgasms that do not include direct clitoral stimulation. “Persons can orgasm from stimulation to the a-spot of a place on the front vaginal wall near the cervix,” White says. “The cervix is another intravaginal site that is linked to orgasms.”

During Sleep

Sleep orgasms are actually more common among women than many women realize as they are asleep and do not have evidence of them in the morning the way that men might, they don’t always remember them. However, over a third of women remember having orgasms in their sleep. There is a study showing that genital blood flow increases during sleep, and that sleeping on your stomach may increase the chances of a sleep orgasm because your body is getting more stimulation. “Sleep orgasms can also occur due to sexual thoughts, dreams, or sexual activity before sleep that stops short of orgasm,” Forcier says. 

Weiss started experiencing sleep orgasms while having sexual dreams when she was 13 years old. It was a less sharp peak than a typical touch-based orgasm and felt more spread throughout her pelvis, as opposed to just in her clitoris. This faded away after her teen years, then in her late 20s, she started having them again after she began working with a yoni egg. They usually occur when she is dreaming of receiving sensual touch, and sometimes the dreams take place in public spaces, so she will be hoping in the dream that “I don’t orgasm” but then she will. As they did when she was younger, they feel like they last longer, are less intense, and are more spaced out throughout her pelvis than typical touched-based orgasms.

Nipple Orgasm

Breasts and nipples of all types can be sexually stimulated to create an orgasm. “To achieve a nipple orgasm, you can try different techniques, using your fingers, have your partner stimulate your nipples with their mouth, or even incorporate nipple play into different sex positions to experience multiple sensations,” White says.  

The surrounding breast tissue is also very sensitive, and when gently massaged, it can help to support a buildup of arousal. So depending on the person, encouraging touch in both areas can be incredibly pleasurable. 

During Workout

A vigorous workout, especially one that features the core muscles and exercises, can stimulate what is considered a coregasm. These types of orgasms are not related to sexual stimulation or fantasies and are thought to be triggered by stability-based exercises. “Some describe the sensation as being felt in the lower abdomen, pelvic floor, and inner thighs with a gentle tingling sensation,” Forcier says.

When Olivia was cycling to work, she realized she was having an orgasm. She had just hopped off her bike after cycling up a steep hill and felt a ripple of sensation spread across her lower body. According to her, it was just her body releasing the energy and making her feel relaxed.

Squirt

Female ejaculation, also known as squirting, can occur when the Skene’s glands are stimulated, which are located right next to the G-spot, when stimulated it could result in the expulsion of fluid from the vagina. “Many believe that squirting is part of a G-spot orgasm, however squirting and orgasms are two separate responses that often happen in unison, but not always,” White says. 

Weiss states that she can squirt through G-spot stimulation, but “I don’t know if I would consider it an orgasm.” It’s a type of sexual release that may or may not be considered an orgasm depending on how you define it. She felt calmer and almost zen afterward. Typically, it happens when she uses a dildo, though it has also happened for her through fingering and penis-in-vagina intercourse. It feels like a buildup and release of arousal, but the sensation is more internal and not as overwhelming. It feels a bit like she has to pee right before it happens. Often, she needs to bear down with her pelvic muscles for squirting to happen. “The way it leaves me feeling afterward is better than a clitoral orgasm. It’s an almost meditative experience, and I’m left with a more positive outlook on everything,” she adds.

Anal

Anal sex can stimulate the same nerves pelvic floor that triggers the brain and muscles to orgasm. “As the name suggests, anal orgasms occur from stimulation of your anus, which has a lot of nerve endings,” Forcier explains. “Touching, licking, or devices can all be used for stimulation.” 

Blended

Nothing hits harder than a blended orgasm. If the name itself isn’t enough to conjure an image, a blended orgasm is considered to be a combination of both clitoral and G-spot stimulation. If your orgasm is exceptionally powerful and rocking through your entire body, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing a blended orgasm. It’s the beauty of experiencing both internal and external pleasure at the same time, as a blended orgasm is activating double (or even triple) the number of nerves in your body.