The orgasm is a curious phenomenon. What one person experiences as an overwhelming sensation throughout the body, another may perceive as a subtle relaxation limited to a specific area.

In this blog, we'll cover some of the most common types of orgasms and provide some background information on each.

What is an orgasm?

An orgasm is a complex physiological and psychological response to sexual stimulation. It is often described as a peak of sexual pleasure and release, accompanied by intense physical and emotional sensations. However, there are some exceptions to this definition.

Some people report experiencing orgasms in all sorts of ways: through nipple stimulation, breathing exercises, and even just the power of thought. Pelvic contractions may not accompany these orgasms, but they do induce similar changes in the brain and hormone levels that genital orgasms do!

5 Types of Orgasms

Pleasure is a spectrum, and there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to orgasms. While some people may be most familiar with genital orgasms, other common types include:

Clitoral Orgasm

According to one study, 37% of women need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. The clitoris is a complex organ that appears as a small bump at the top of the vulva. But the clitoris isn’t just a little knob on the vulva—it’s a complex network of nerve endings that extends up to four inches into the body.

A clitoral orgasm results from direct or indirect stimulation of the clitoris, either through manual or oral stimulation, the use of sex toys , rubbing against a partner's body, or even through certain positions during penetrative sex.

People often describe clitoral orgasms as sharp, intense peaks. For someone with a penis, a penis-based orgasm is most similar to a clitoral orgasm, since the clitoris and penis develop from the same tissue.

G-Spot Orgasm

Let’s not forget the creeping G-spot orgasm. The G-spot is essentially a part of the internal clitoris. Although it depends on who you talk to – the jury is still out on the exact nature of the G-spot.

Stimulation of the G-spot (located just a few inches inside the vagina on the anterior vaginal wall) can lead to intense pleasure and, in some cases, squirting.

Vaginal Orgasm

A vaginal orgasm can be achieved through stimulation of the vaginal canal and surrounding areas, such as the anterior fornix or the A-spot, which is located just below the cervix. (The A-spot is located much deeper in the vagina compared to the G-spot.)

Some people don't like this term because it goes back to Sigmund Freud who said that women shifted their pleasure from the clitoris to the vagina as they got older and that it is immature to experience clitoral orgasms.

However, the vaginal orgasm isn’t entirely a misogynistic myth (even if the idea that it’s immature not to have them is). Some people do report vaginal orgasms, which can be induced by stimulation of the vaginal walls via penetration with a finger, penis, or dildo.

Anal Orgasm

Anal play or sex can also lead to incredible pleasure. This is because the anus and rectum are so close to the vagina and clitoris that any stimulation in this area has the power to indirectly arouse those sensitive nerve endings, potentially resulting in an orgasm.

The perineum area, which is the space between the anus and genitals, is super sensitive and can contribute to intense pleasure during anal play.

If you want to experiment with anal play, use lots of lube and go slow, and if you use a toy, use something with a widened base. For someone with a penis, anal stimulation can target the prostate, which is said to be the male G-spot and can produce a very intense orgasm.

Nipple Orgasm

Studies show that stimulation of the breasts, chest and nipples can lead to powerful orgasms in some individuals. This is certainly no surprise, as the nipples have many nerve endings and are connected to the pleasure centers of the brain.

Some people can have an orgasm from nipple stimulation - from rubbing, sucking, or vibration on the nipples. People describe these as more full-throated orgasms than genital orgasms, although they can feel similar; they're just centered in the nipples.

The key to having a nipple orgasm? Keep your mind open to new sensations and explore different types of touch, pressure, and stimulation in the nipple area. We recommend moaning when you or your partner touch those sensitive erogenous zones, signaling to the brain that these sensations are pleasurable and can lead to orgasm.

What type of orgasm do you want to try to achieve? It’s fun to experiment with different types of sensations. If you don’t know where to start, stop by our stores or shop our webshop for tools (aka toys!).