Ask the Sexpert — April 2, 2009

Dear Sexpert,

What is an orgasm? Are there different types? What is the best type?

— Curious about O

Dear Curious,

What a refreshingly frank question! We rarely ask enough questions about the orgasm. It’s seen as something of a mystery and as such has been relegated to the taboo. But it shouldn’t be, so here we go!

An orgasm is a full-body experience that occurs after sexual climax is reached. It often involves muscular contractions throughout the body (though these are felt most strongly in the pelvic muscles for both men and women) that generally occur in combination with euphoric sensations and vocalizations. In men, orgasm is usually accompanied by the release of semen, and in women orgasm can include vaginal secretions, though it doesn’t always.

The evolutionary reason for the orgasm is thought to be tied to these pelvic muscular contractions. When a man orgasms, he releases sperm into a woman’s vagina; video footage has shown that when a woman orgasms, the cervix dips into the vagina. Thus, a woman’s orgasmic muscle contractions can aid the sperm in its journey to the egg, increasing the chance of fertilization.

For men, an orgasm is caused by intense physical stimulation of the penis. The male orgasm is accompanied by the ejaculation of sperm-containing semen from the tip of the penis. (On the rare occasions when this does not occur — called “shooting a blank” — it is often because the man has ejaculated recently and so cannot ejaculate again.) For this reason, it is nearly impossible for a man to fake an orgasm.

For women, orgasm can occur in many ways, the most common types being the clitoral orgasm, the vaginal or G-spot orgasm, and the combined orgasm.

A clitoral orgasm occurs when the clitoris is stimulated to such a degree of pleasure that a woman is able to climax. This is sometimes viewed as the simplest way for a woman to orgasm, as the clitoris is located outside of the body above the vaginal entrance and is therefore easily accessible for self-stimulation or stimulation by a partner.

A vaginal or G-spot orgasm is often said to be more difficult to attain, though this may not be true for all people. The so-called G-spot is a sensitive spot in the vaginal wall that, when stimulated by the touch, can lead to powerful orgasms. The G-spot is located in a different place for every woman, but general consensus holds that it is on the anterior wall (the wall of the vagina closer to the clitoris and farther from the anus). Many women find it easier to achieve a vaginal orgasm when entered from behind because the object entered into the vagina is at a better angle from which to reach the G-spot. At other angles, the G-spot can be missed altogether.

The combined orgasm occurs when both the clitoris and the G-spot have been stimulated. The coordinated stimulation of those two areas is tricky, though definitely not impossible, and generally requires the use of a combination of toys (vibrators, dildos), the hands and the penis. Thus, the combined orgasm can take a little longer to master.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Some people also report having achieved orgasm though pleasurable stimulation of non-erogenous zones, areas that are not part of the genital organs. The most common zones that are reported to have caused climax are the nipples and the anus. Orgasms can also occur with only mental stimulation, such as in the form of nocturnal emissions or “wet dreams.”

My final word on this before I run out of space: As I mentioned before, it’s not easy for a man to fake an orgasm, but it can be for a woman. I do not, however, recommend faking an orgasm. If you are having trouble reaching climax, talk to your partner about trying new types of foreplay or new sexual positions that may help you along your way. Faking an orgasm is like lying: No one really likes doing it, and it often gets one or both of you into trouble somewhere down the line. If you are having trouble, don’t give up. Talk to your partner, consider talking to your doctor or a sex counselor or relationship counselor, and practice stimulating yourself manually or with a vibrator.

Go for the O!

— The Sexpert

‘Sexpert’ is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. You can submit questions to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don’t be shy!