A No-Nonsense Guide to Orgasms: Stages, Types, and Benefits

Orgasms are different for everyone. Your orgasms might be subtle and quiet, or they might be the toe-curling, earth-shaking, wake-the-neighbors type. Maybe you’ve never had an orgasm, or maybe you have them all the time. And no doubt you’ve noticed that your orgasms can change from day to day. 

No matter what your orgasms are like, everyone deserves to have the facts about their body — especially when it comes to sex. This includes knowing about orgasms, what they are, how they differ from person to person.

And just one quick note before we move on: Though our language here mainly centers on cisgender folks, at GoodRx we know that people (and their orgasms) come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone is welcome here.

What is an orgasm?

For many people, an orgasm is the physical and emotional peak of sexual excitement. It often follows arousal (feeling “turned on”) during sexual activity, like penetration or masturbation. 

Other names for orgasm include:

• Finishing

• Cumming (or coming)

• Climaxing

• Peaking

• The big O

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• Can medications affect your orgasms? Did you know that many medications can affect your sex life, including your ability to have an orgasm? Learn about common culprits that could be hiding in your medicine cabinet.

What does an orgasm feel like?

It can be hard to describe what an orgasm feels like. Many people experience orgasm as an intensely pleasurable sensation in their genitals and body, lasting for 1 to 2 minutes. Some people describe a sudden release of tension, or a warm and tingly feeling washing over them. An orgasm also causes the body to release “feel-good” hormones (endorphins) that can lead to a contented “afterglow.”

How do I know if I orgasmed?

It’s hard to say. Sometimes, an orgasm is very noticeable. Other times it can be subtle. 

Here are some things that you might notice after having an orgasm:

• Your body feels warm or relaxed.

• Your face, neck, and chest are flushed.

• You feel sleepy and content.

• Your genitals are very sensitive.

• Your heart rate and breathing are faster than normal.

• You feel your muscles contracting in your genitals and lower belly.

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How long does an orgasm last?

The duration of an orgasm can vary widely from person to person and from one experience to another. It also depends on what you define as orgasm — whether it includes the climactic buildup, or just the moment of release. On average, an orgasm typically lasts anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. 

Factors that can influence the duration of an orgasm include:

• Stimulation intensity

• Individual sensitivities 

• The quality of the sexual experience

• Your emotional state

• Your connection with your partner

• Your physical health

• The medications you take

• Your experience with sex, your partner, and your own sexual pleasure

It’s important to note that there’s no “normal” or standard duration for orgasms. Orgasms can vary widely and still be perfectly healthy and enjoyable experiences. What matters most is that you feel satisfied and fulfilled in your sexual experiences — whether you orgasm or not. 

What happens to your body during an orgasm?

In the 1960s, researchers studied how people’s bodies respond to sexual touch. They identified four physical “stages” the body goes through — starting with sexual excitement and ending with a comedown (resolution) from orgasm.

Though this breakdown doesn’t fit for everyone and every orgasm, it can still be a helpful way to look at things.

Here’s what’s happening to your body before, during, and after an orgasm:

• Excitement: In this stage, your body starts to get turned on. Your genitals get more swollen, sensitive, or wet. Your clitoris, nipples, or penis can become erect. You might also breathe more quickly, have a faster heartbeat, or feel warm and flushed.

• Plateau: This is the next level of sexual excitement. The physical changes that started during the excitement stage get more intense. Your genitals may become even more sensitive and swollen. Many people feel strong pleasure during this stage.

• Orgasm: If sexual pleasure continues, it may build up to an orgasm. During orgasm, many people experience a body-wide sensation of pleasure and a feeling of release. You may also notice muscle contractions in your genitals and lower belly. Fluid (ejaculate) can squirt from your vaginal area or penis.

• Resolution: In this stage, your body relaxes and recovers from orgasm. Your genitals return to their usual appearance. Many people feel content, sleepy, and relaxed. The resolution phase can last for half an hour or more after orgasm.

Different types of orgasms

Orgasm is basically the same physical response, no matter which body parts are involved — but there are definitely many different ways to have an orgasm. You may find that you especially prefer (or dislike) some of these ways of having an orgasm.

• External clitoral orgasm: The external part of your clitoris is a small, very sensitive spot at the top of your vagina. Its only function is to provide sexual pleasure. Stimulating the clitoris — such as by touching, rubbing, or licking it — can lead to arousal or orgasm.

• G-spot, A-spot, or C-spot orgasm: These are erogenous (sexually sensitive) areas inside your vagina. They include the internal parts of your clitoris, which extend for several inches into your body. Stimulating them through vaginal penetration can lead to orgasm.

• Penis orgasm: This is when your penis and testicles are stimulated, often leading to ejaculation. 

• Anal orgasm: For many people, penetrating or stimulating the anal area (your bottom) can lead to orgasm. In fact, there’s evidence that both men and women are most likely to orgasm with anal sex.

• Nipple orgasm: Some people can have an orgasm just by having their nipples touched or caressed. In your brain, nipple and genital stimulation are closely connected. Touching your nipples also increases blood flow to your genital area.

• Blended orgasm: This is an orgasm that comes from touching the genital area and another erogenous zone on your body (like your nipples, neck, or thighs) at the same time.

• Coregasm: Some people can orgasm while doing core-strengthening activities, like yoga or sit-ups.

• Sleep orgasm: This is an orgasm that happens while you’re asleep. These are often called “wet dreams” in men. In one study, 37% of women have experienced a sleep orgasm. 

• Breath orgasms: Specific breath-control exercises can sometimes lead to orgasm. These practices are related to tantric and yoga practices.

• Fantasy (mental-visualization) orgasms: Some people can have an orgasm by just thinking about sex or romance. This practice is sometimes combined with breathing exercises or relaxation techniques.

Are orgasms the same for everyone?

From a physical perspective, orgasms are similar for men and women. But as we’ve seen, what makes you orgasm can vary from person to person, and between different partners and experiences. Not only that, but people's bodies experience orgasms differently:

• Some people orgasm from penetration, while others need a variety of sexual activities.

• Some have powerful or long orgasms, and others have shorter or more mild orgasms.

• Some people have frequent orgasms, but some have never had one.

• Some people can have multiple orgasms in a row.

Apart from the physical differences of orgasm, they can also be affected by social and environmental factors.

For example, an orgasm might feel different to you depending on:

• Whether you are alone or with a partner (or partners)

• Your location

• Your physical or emotional state

• Your relationship status

• What you have on your mind

• How safe you feel

Many people also find that their own orgasms vary. You might have a really great orgasm one day, and a less-memorable one a day later. Or, sometimes, it could be easy for you to orgasm — but other times it’s hard, or even impossible.

Are male and female orgasms different?

Probably not. While it’s true that men in male-female heterosexual couples tend to have more frequent orgasms than women overall (sometimes dubbed the “orgasm gap”), there doesn’t seem to be an actual physical difference between male and female orgasms. Your biological sex doesn’t directly affect how an orgasm feels, or your ability to have one. 

No matter what your biological sex, an orgasm can include: 

• Pleasurable sensations

• Muscle contractions

• Ejaculation (yes, women too!)

• Hormone release  

So why do people think there’s a difference between male and female orgasms? It probably has more to do with our cultural thoughts and beliefs about sex than any physical differences in our bodies. 

Do some people have more orgasms than others?

Yes. Some people do seem to have orgasms more frequently than others. 

In a large study of more than 50,000 sexually active adults, 95% of heterosexual men said they “usually or always” orgasmed during sex, compared with only 65% of straight women. 

Gay men (89%), bisexual men (88%), and lesbian women (86%) were also more likely to have frequent orgasms than bisexual women (66%). 

Can both men and women have multiple orgasms?

Yes, both men and women can have multiple orgasms. This means having more than one orgasm during a single period of sexual intimacy. In men, this is less common because the body usually needs a period of rest after ejaculating. In women, multiple orgasms are more common. This is because women don’t always need the same period of rest before becoming aroused again. 

But keep in mind: Not everyone is able to have multiple orgasms, and that’s perfectly normal. Everyone’s body is different. Some people can easily orgasm multiple times in a row. Other people never have multiple orgasms or might not have orgasms at all. 

Benefits of orgasms

It’s possible that safe and consensual sex — and orgasm — might even be good for your health. Possible benefits include: 

• Deeper, more connected relationships

• Improved mood

• Better sleep

• Lowered blood pressure

• Lowered risk of heart disease

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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