Depending on where your Google Search leads you, you'll find that there are between four to 28+ different types of orgasms someone with a vagina can experience. The topic has been debated time and time again, with experts and orgasm-havers delving into the countless ways they've experienced pleasure. And of course there are a handful of the best sex positions [1] and techniques to help master the ultimate O. But the best part? This so-called "ultimate O" can happen in more ways than one, proving that the body really is a wonderland.
From clitoral to nipple orgasms, there are alternating ways to reach euphoria [2] between the sheets. Whether you want to have your first O or you're looking to spice things up with your partner, it's our pleasure to enlighten you on the different kinds of orgasms a person with a vagina [3] can have, as well as how to have more of 'em. While there might be a debate on the number of ways you can reach climax, the following types of orgasms are surefire hits when it comes to coming. You want love? Here's how to make it.
—Additional reporting by Nicole Yi and Taylor Andrews
Vaginal Orgasm
While reaching a vaginal orgasm during sex with a partner isn't always as easy as the movies make it look [5], it's still possible, and it's so worth it. Vaginal orgasms happen deeper in the body, and make the vaginal walls pulse. If someone with a penis is penetrating you, they'll be able to feel it, too. Former Flo medical advisor and ob-gyn Kate Shkodzik, MD, advised on the Flo website [6] that the "woman on top" sex position might be most effective in achieving a vaginal orgasm, as it "provides the best stimulation of the G-spot, given the angle of the penetrator." Plus, "you can easily control the pace, depth, and angle during sex" making it far more easier to reach a vaginal orgasm. Of course, having this kind of orgasm might require a bit more foreplay, some clitoral stimulation, communication with your partner, or different positions, but it's well worth the effort. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Clitoral Orgasm
You can't forget about the clitoris during sex. It contains about 8,000 sensitive nerve endings [7], making it a pleasure point indeed. In fact, one study [8] estimated that women orgasm 61-70 percent of the time during "assisted intercourse" (meaning there was clitoral stimulation in addition to penetration involved), compared to 41-50 percent of the time during unassisted intercourse (meaning there was no clitoral stimulation during the penetration). Clearly, since many people with a vagina are unable to have an orgasm [9] through just vaginal penetration, stimulation of the clit is the way to go if you want to reach that O you've been waiting for. Clitoral orgasms can be very powerful, so expect anywhere between three to 16 contractions [10] to occur, and to last about 10 to 60 seconds.
Blended Orgasms
When we asked Alicia Sinclair [11], clinical sexologist and founder of b-Vibe [12], to prescribe a bedroom formula for a better climax, she introduced something called a "blended orgasm [13]." This term describes the combination of both internal and external stimulation, hitting multiple spots simultaneously to really take you over the edge. According to Alicia and Polly Rodriguez, CEO and cofounder of feminist subscription box Unbound [14], about 70 percent of women need clitoral stimulation to get off, making the clitoris a key player in the blended orgasm. Alicia's suggested formula?
"I would say use a dildo or a vibrator that has just enough to get into the body with a little bit of a curve and really focus on that G-spot or A-spot area [15], so you're kind of rubbing along the top of the vaginal wall with a little bit of pressure," she told us. "Combine that with vibration, and that's really going to be like you're hitting the money spot in those two places."
Deep Vaginal Erogenous Zone Orgasms
Ready for your daily dose of good news? There are additional erogenous zones inside the vagina, and when they're hit just right, they can lead to what's known as a deep vaginal orgasm. The first spot is technically known as the anterior fornix erogenous zone, or the A-spot, and it's a pleasurable patch of sensitive tissue right at the inner ends of the vaginal tube between the cervix and the bladder. It can be found a little further back from your G-spot, and if you touch it with your fingers, a toy, or a penis, sensation around this area can sometimes stimulate orgasms in the vagina. Positions that allow for deep penetration, like doggy style, are best for hitting the A-spot in particular.
Next is the O-spot (short for orgasm), which can be found on the back wall of the vagina, almost behind the cervix. Stimulation in this area is great for increasing arousal, and can lead to a more intense orgasm.
Anal Orgasm
Anal sex [16] might sound intimidating to some, but it's definitely worth exploring or at least being open-minded about. Why? You may even learn that you can orgasm from butt play. Penetrative anal sex is especially great for hitting the A-spot, which can result in intense Os for being such a pressure-sensitive area. Since the two areas (anus and A-spot) are so close to each other, you can hit both, and achieve pleasure like no other. Be open with your partner about what you're willing to try, and experiment with toys, butt plugs, anal beads, and more.
Multiple Orgasms
You've heard the saying "the more the merrier," right? It applies to female orgasms, too! Because women don't have a refractory period or downtime post-orgasm like men do, "they can be stimulated multiple times in a row and continue to have increased blood flow to the vagina and increased heart rate," Amanda Pasciucco, LMFT, CST certified sex therapist told POPSUGAR [17]. Every person (and body) is different, though. "Some can achieve multiple orgasms every time they have sex, while for others it's a feat. [The] most important tip to get there is to ease your mind," says Sinclair. "If you're stressed about getting to multiple Os, it'll be harder to achieve," she says. After the first orgasm, keep the arousal high with kissing and touching, so you can build back up to another big O. "This is often referred to as 'riding the waves' of pleasure," she says.
Nipple Orgasm
Guess what! Women can reach orgasm without their genitals even being touched. Nipple orgasms are a thing, and they're here to spice things up. This erogenous zone is highly sensitive, and with enough stimulation, the nerves can be aroused, thus bringing you a lot of pleasure. According to Healthline [18], "when your nipples are stimulated, they shoot off sparks in the genital sensory cortex. This is the same area of the brain that's aroused by vaginal or clitoral stimulation."
G-Spot Orgasm
According to Planned Parenthood [19], the g-spot is located "about an inch or so inside the vaginal opening on the upper vaginal wall — closest to the belly button." And though it may be hard to find, experts suggest doing the "come hither" motion with your fingers as the most efficient way to stimulate the sponge-like surface. Although this type of orgasm can stir up quite a bit of controversy, since many believe that it doesn't exist, if it is an orgasm your body can experience, it is described as one of the best full-body sensations.
Coregasm
Ah, the mythical coregasm. As the name implies, this is a type of orgasm that occurs while, well, working out your core. It happens because of the "squeezing of the pelvic floor muscles," which "triggers nerve impulses." In other words, a coregasm sensation likely stems from pelvic floor contractions, and therefore helps someone unintentionally orgasm. Professional medical experts aren't clear about whether this is a totally legit experience [20] or not, but hey, to each their own if you start to feel a little tingly after your daily dose of sit-ups.