The 10 Types of Female Orgasms

An orgasm is a physical reflex that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles tighten and relax in a series of rhythmic contractions. Besides providing a physical release, orgasms also have emotional effects. During an orgasm, aka climax, your body also releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin. The oxytocin released during an orgasm and the skin-to-skin contact during sex also helps you emotionally bond with your partner.

But people with a vagina can experience different types of orgasms that feel different in terms of intensity and duration. Learn about the different types here.

Clitoral Orgasm

The clitoris is a sex organ that looks like a small erect tissue on the exterior of the vulva, but it also extends internally into your vagina. It is made up of millions of nerve endings, which make it particularly sensitive to stimulation. Stimulating the clitoris directly, or touching the labia surrounding the clitoris, prompts an increase in blood flow to the area, making the clitoris engorged and in need of orgasmic release.

G-Spot Orgasm

Though research is a bit inconclusive, the general consensus about the G-spot is that it is located in the front wall of your vagina, about halfway between your vaginal opening and cervix. Some researchers argue it's a sex organ, while others believe it's part of the clitoris' network of nerve endings. Some people report a G-spot orgasm feels deeply intense compared to other types of orgasms.

Vaginal Orgasm

An orgasm from penetrative vaginal sex—that doesn't intentionally stimulate the clitoris and G-spot—is considered a vaginal orgasm. Besides the clitoris, the vagina has additional erogenous zones. The A-spot, or anterior fornix, is located on the high front (or anterior) wall of the vagina just beneath the cervix. This area can trigger a deep vaginal orgasm when touched the right way. Some people may also orgasm from touching the cervix itself. This is because these areas contain ligaments with nerves that can be highly sensitive.

Anal Orgasm

Anal sex or anal play can also help people with a vagina reach climax by indirectly stimulating nearby erogenous regions. This is because the anus and rectum are so close to the vagina and clitoris—and are connected by a thin stretch of tissue called the perineum. Plus, your anus is connected to your pelvic floor muscles, which also support your vagina.

During anal sex, you can stimulate the same nerves and muscles. And because the pelvic floor muscles are highly sensitive, stimulating them during anal can lead to an orgasm. 

Nipple Orgasm

Your breasts and nipples are major erogenous zones, so it's possible to have an orgasm by stimulating those areas. The nipples especially react to touch since they contain many nerve endings.

There's no clear consensus on how many women can orgasm without contact with their genitals. Researchers also aren't exactly sure why nipple orgasms happen. However, research has found nipple stimulation activates the part of your brain that controls genital stimulation.

Blended Orgasm

A blended orgasm is a climax that happens when more than one erogenous zone is being stimulated at the same time. Any combination of erogenous zones, like the clitoris, G-spot, nipples, or anus could lead to a blended orgasm.

Multiple Orgasms

Unlike people with penises, people with a vagina can experience multiple orgasms because they don't require as much downtime between an orgasm and arousal.

Squirting Orgasm

During an orgasm, some people can release a gush of clear fluid—also known as squirting. Squirting is also sometimes called female ejaculation, but some researchers don't consider it the same thing. Researchers estimate anywhere from 10 to 54% of women have, at one time or another, experienced female ejaculation.

Exercise Orgasm/Coregasm

Reaching climax during an intense workout may sound unlikely, but workout-induced orgasms, or coregasms, are real. A study from Indiana University found that 370 of 530 women surveyed had experienced orgasm or sexual pleasure while working out, usually from core-based exercises.

Sleep Orgasm

Similar to the "wet dreams" people with penises may experience, it is possible for folks with a vagina to orgasm during their sleep. Sleep orgasms, or nocturnal orgasms, likely start with an erotic dream. This can lead to increased blood flow to the genitals and lubrication, making your body orgasm while you're asleep. 

A 2012 study found people who slept on their stomachs were more likely to have erotic dreams and sexual sensations. This may be because sleeping on your stomach can be more constricting and physically stimulating (think bedsheets, pajamas, etc., pressing on your body). Still, the exact reasons folks have sleep orgasms aren't totally proven or understood. 

Research on sleep orgasms is extremely lacking and outdated, but we know people have them. The most cited study is from the 1950s, but it reported that 37% of the female participants had a sleep orgasm by the time they were 45.

A Quick Review

If you have a vagina, a clitoral orgasm is often the most attainable orgasm. But, what makes you orgasm can be highly individualistic. There are a variety of orgasm types that you may experience depending on the area of the body that is stimulated.