Written by Alice Child, Somatic Sexologist
Somatic Sexologist Alice Child explains the science of orgasm, and outlines many of the different ways people with vulvas can experience orgasm
This guide contains general advice only. If you need more tailored advice, please book in a session.
Did you know many women and people with vulvas can orgasm without any physical touch?!
What is an orgasm?
Many people often ask me to define an orgasm, which is tricky depending on who you ask (a sexologist, a doctor, a neuroscientist etc!) as the answer will vary depending on the perspective.
Orgasms are also difficult to pin down because they can feel so different from one experience to the next - let alone for various people!
In my view, an orgasm is the culmination of a buildup of erotic tension and pleasure, resulting in a some form of release or climax. This typically comes hand-in-hand with physical & emotional responses in your brain/body, including:
pelvic floor muscle contractions
changes in breathing
making sounds
increased heart rate
increased body temperature
muscle spasms and movements
movements in the pelvis / spine
feel good chemicals released in the brain and body eg endorphins, dopamine, oxytocin
A rush of emotions
A rush of pleasurable sensations throughout the body eg tingles, heat, wave, ripples, etc.
Why can't I orgasm?
Many people struggle with orgasm, often due to factors like pressure, lack of education, not enough clitoral stimulation, performance anxiety, going too fast, discomfort/pain, and mental blocks. Focusing too much on orgasm can actually increase pressure and make it harder to achieve, pulling you out of the moment.
This is especially common for women and those with vulvas during partnered sex, although it's also very common for men and people with penises too.
Helping people learn to experience orgasm is a key focus of my work. I recommend booking a session for personalised support.
Exploring Different Types of Orgasms
Orgasms are far from a one-size-fits-all experience. In fact, many of the ways that they can look and feel may surprise you!
This isn’t a complete list, but it highlights the many different ways peak pleasure can be experienced for people with a vulva.
1. Clitoris Glans
External clitoral orgasms are often the most common type of orgasm reported by people with vulvas, and it’s no wonder why.
The clitoral glans—the visible, external part of the clitoris—is packed with over 10,000 nerve endings, making it incredibly sensitive and capable of intense pleasure. Research shows that 70-85% of people with vulvas need external clitoral stimulation to build arousal and achieve orgasm, whether through direct touch or indirect methods like grinding.
A great technique to enhance blended orgasms is sexual edging—deliberately delaying orgasm to build greater intensity. By stopping just before climax and then resuming stimulation, you can amplify the final orgasm, making it even more powerful.
Many people enjoy using a vibrator to help them experience more powerful clitoris orgasms, while other people prefer vulva massage and stroking with fingers and hands. Many others love the sensation of grinding or moving their body against a pillow or showerhead.
Regardless of the stimulation, the clitoral glans plays a crucial role in female sexual pleasure and orgasm and it should never be left out!
2. Internal Clitoris
The clitoris is like an iceberg—what you see on the surface is only a small part of its true span under the surface of the skin. The external glans is just the visible tip, while the internal structure branches out, wrapping around the vaginal canal and connecting with other sensitive areas.
Instead of concentrating only on the glans, which can quickly become too sensitive, it’s a fantastic idea to explore the entire clitoral network, along with the vulva and vagina.
3. G-spot
The G-spot is the gateway to a type of internal vaginal orgasm that can be incredibly intense.
Located on the upper wall of the vagina, just a couple of inches in, it’s best accessed by stimulating upward toward the belly button. You can stimulate this area with fingers, a penis, or a toy/vibrator.
For some, it can also trigger squirting or female ejaculation. While squirting doesn’t happen for everyone, it’s just one of the exciting possibilities that come with exploring the G-spot.
4. Cervix
The cervix, located deeper inside the vagina, can be a source of powerful, intense orgasms. While it’s often associated with pain due to accidental bumps during sex, it can also offer profound pleasure when approached gently.
Remember, sex should never be painful. By listening to your body, slowing down, and building pleasure at your own pace, you can enjoy more satisfying experiences and unlock the full potential of cervical stimulation.
5. Blended
Blended orgasms are the ultimate pleasure mashup! They happen when you’re stimulated in two or more erogenous zones at once. For example, penetrative sex combined with blissful clitoral stimulation, or having a butt plug in while enjoying penetrative vaginal sex. Combing sensations can skyrocket your pleasure, and create a more intense and full bodied orgasms.
Another good way to explore blended orgasms is through  sensation play, which explores the whole body through activities like feather-light touches, temperature play, or varying textures, creating a game of anticipation and teasing. This not only heightens sensitivity but also intensifies pleasure and makes it a more full-bodied experience.
If you want to explore sensation play, I really recommend playing Game 10 in Pillow Play (my online sex and intimacy games for couples!).
6. Anal
The anus is a highly sensitive erogenous zone, both externally and internally. External stimulation like massage or rimming, and internal play such as pegging and anal penetration and butt plugs, can lead to incredibly powerful orgasms.
Whether you’re stimulating the outside or inside, anal sex and pleasure can lead to some of the most powerful orgasms in the human body.
7. In your sleep
Did you know many women and people with vulvas can orgasm in their sleep without any physical touch? Often triggered by dreams or fantasies, these orgasms can occur while you're not even physically exploring your body.
8. Core-gasms
Core-gasms are orgasms that occur during exercise—yes, really!
Certain core workouts or weight training can trigger a build-up and release of pleasure that feels just like an orgasm. It's much more common than you might think!
9. Full body
Your entire body can be an erogenous zone if you give it the right attention! Don’t limit yourself to just the genitals. Spread pleasure across your body, experiment with sensual touching, moving making sounds, and exploring breathwork. This holistic approach can help you build to powerful, full-body orgasms.
If this is something that you want to try, I really recommend playing Game 7 in Pillow Play. Its called the Body Mapping game and it helps you explore each others bodies and finding the most pleasurable spots.
10. Nipple-gasm
A very sensitive erogenous zone for many. With practice, many people can have orgasms through nipple stimulation.
11. Breath-gasms
Some people can achieve orgasm without any physical touch. Through practice, they can harness the power of breath, movement, and mindfulness to reach climax.
This approach can also be a form of tantric sex, where erotic energy is built up in a unique, yet equally intense and pleasurable way.
Best,
Alice x
Alice Child - Somatic Sexologist, Sex Therapy & Sex Counsellor - helps people achieve happier and healthier sex lives through 1:1 sex coaching, couples sex counselling, hens parties, and workshops. Book a session here.
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