15 Types of Orgasm and How to Achieve Them

Are there really different types of orgasms?

Yes... and no! The mechanics of orgasm may stay the same every time you come, but there’s research to support the idea that how you experience it can be different depending on which part of your body is stimulated. And lucky you, you have plenty of erogenous zones eady and waiting to be pleasured.

For example, some people describe clitoral orgasms as being tingly, fast, and surface-level, while the orgasms you get through internal stimulation might feel deeper, more intense, and more wild. Interestingly, the same can be said of penis versus prostate orgasms, as you’ll see below. Your body might go through the same sexual response cycle each time, but the sensations you feel can actually be different!

What are the different types of female orgasms?

Remember on the TV show, Friends, when Monica explains her seven erogenous zones? You have different pleasure points, and teasing them may actually send you over the edge. Here are some of the erogenous zones found in female anatomy:

Clitoral orgasms

If you have a vulva, a clitoral orgasm might be the one that comes to mind when you think of a toe-curling experience. In fact, fewer than one in five women report that vaginal penetration by itself is enough to reach orgasm, which may explain the popularity of clitoral sex toys like the infamous rose toy!

You can use sex toys to make sure you get enough clitoral stimulation during partnered sex, explains certified sex educator Javay Frye-Nekrasova. Sex positions like Doggy Style and Reverse Cowgirl make it easier to reach your clit, so try pairing one of these positions with a clitoral suction toy to tease yourself while sharing pleasure with your partner.

Internal—or ‘G-spot’—orgasms

Inside the vagina, there’s an area known as the G-spot that can be a pretty reliable way to experience a deep, full-body orgasm. You might find that G-spot orgasms feel like wild, rolling waves (or a need to pee that becomes pleasurable!) while clitoral orgasms can feel quicker and more controlled. Some people say pleasuring this internal erogenous zone is essential for learning how to squirt, too.

The easiest way to find your G-spot is by inserting your fingers inside the vagina and making a “come hither” motion against the front vaginal wall. If the angle is a bit difficult on your own, try a long-handled vibrator or dildo with a bulbous head for targeting your G-spot. For even more self-pleasure advice, check out our guide: How to Masturbate for Women.

A-spot orgasms

There’s a lot of talk about G-spots, so the A-spot is a lesser-explored area for a vaginal orgasm. We have Dr. Chua Chee Ann to thank for his 1997 research, which suggests this area could be found deep inside the vagina, close to the cervix.

Sadly, there isn’t enough recent research to say for certain that the A-spot exists, but some people might experience intense orgasms by stimulating this zone. They say A-spot orgasms can feel deep and “full body” like G-spot ones, but without the urge to pee. Try deeper positions, like Doggy Style with your back arched, to reach it.

Cervical orgasms

Cervical orgasms happen from directly stimulating the cervix, either with your fingers or with a toy. You might experience a deep, throbbing orgasm that radiates into your abdomen.

“Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, your cervix may be higher or lower, making it easier or more difficult to stimulate it,” adds Javay. If you’re using a sex toy, choose a long one like the Lovehoney Flexible Finger G-Spot Vibe and lube. This flexible vibe is made from high-quality, soft, hygienic silicone so it’s body-safe while you explore.

Stimulating the cervix through penetrative sex might feel uncomfortable or painful because it’s an especially sensitive area. Use plenty of lube and move gently and slowly to avoid bruising. Communicate with your partner if the stimulation is too intense and stop immediately if you experience pain.

Expanded Sexual Response

Despite the unsexy name, ESR is when you’re able to have multiple, longer, more intense orgasms. Since there isn’t much research on this, we can’t say for sure whether it exists or how it works. Javay says since everybody is different, it will vary in how often, how quickly, or how intense these orgasms are.

“You can continue stimulation after the first orgasm to attempt another, or you can take a break for up to 20 minutes to let your body come back down from the peak of climax and start stimulation again,” she says. You can also change up the type of stimulation between orgasms, like moving from G-spot to clitoral—or from using a vibrator to using your hands—to have multiple orgasms in a row.

What are the different types of male orgasms?

Surprise! If you’ve got a penis, you can have both internal and external orgasms with a little practice.

Penile orgasms

If you have a penis, you might be familiar with the intense rhythmic pleasure that throbs through you when you come. Are we close?

Intensify your pleasure by using plenty of lube to make things extra slippery, regardless of whether you’re solo or penetrating a partner. In fact, we recommend using lubricant for every sexual experience because it just makes things go, well, a lot smoother!

Blow job toys or strokers can also enhance your orgasm by introducing new textures and sensations that your hands can’t replicate.

Prostate orgasms

“You can stimulate the prostate internally or externally, whereas the penis is typically only stimulated externally,” explains Javay. That means you can have a prostate orgasm through anal play—or by externally massaging the spot between your genitals and your anus (the perineum).

You might not have considered anal play before, but stimulating your prostate and penis at the same time can result in pretty game-changing orgasms. Think: deep, full-body pleasure. Try a prostate massager made from smooth, body safe silicone, and slather it in water-based lube.

Testicle orgasms

You can orgasm from just stimulating the testicles, but it’s not that common, according to Javay. She says: “For some people, it feels like tickling; for others, it’s toe-curling pleasure.”

Add lube to make the sensation feel better—and if you don’t want the shock of cold lube on your balls, rub your hands together first to warm it up. You’re welcome.

Even if you don’t orgasm from testicle play alone, teasing this pleasure zone can make oral sex and penetration feel even better. Reverse Cowgirl or Doggy Style positions allow your partner to reach between your legs to massage the testicles. Or you can try cock rings that also stretch around the testicles.

7 more ways to experience an orgasm

No matter what body parts you have, you can try the following pleasure tips. You might not experience every type of orgasm, but you’ll have fun trying!

Blended orgasms

A blended orgasm is when you orgasm from stimulating multiple erogenous zones at the same time. Javay says you can try stimulating your nipples at the same time as your G-spot, anus, or clit. You can also try penile and testicle or perineum stimulation at the same time.

Try using one hand to stimulate an area while the other hand stimulates another. Or, use a toy like a dildo while you rub or tug on your nipples. If you’re having partnered sex, you can have your partner thrust in you while using a clit vibrator for intense, full-body pleasure.

Multiple orgasms

Regardless of your gender, it’s possible to have multiple orgasms, but it’s more common for people with vulvas. People with penises can still get in on the fun by exploring anal play, as it seems easier for most people to come multiple times when massaging the prostate. Give yourself anything between one minute and 20 minutes between orgasms, and then begin stimulation again.

Anal orgasm

Anal orgasms aren’t limited to just one gender. People with vulvas can have them too, and if you haven’t explored that part of your body yet, you might find you can have a pretty intense orgasm. That’s because the anus is a prime spot for nerve endings.

But the anus and rectum don’t self-lubricate, so lube is a must. If you’re ready to try, use a clean hand, apply plenty of lube, and explore what feels good with a finger or two. You can also bring in anal vibrators and dildos with a flared base for extra stimulation.

Nipple orgasm

If a caress or kiss to the nipple gives you tingles, you might be in the running to experience a nipplegasm! Try wearing nipple suckers while you masturbate; when you’re right on the edge of climax, remove the suckers and tease your nipples with your hands or even a sex toy.

“All you need is a little creativity, and you’ll see all the different ways you can use one toy to experience immense pleasure,” says Javay. A bullet vibe or even a clitoral suction toy like the Lovehoney Rose can tease your nipples with entirely new sensations.

Coregasm

Don’t feel like working out? Perhaps the idea of having an orgasm from exercise is the motivation you need. A coregasm can happen when you do intense exercise like cardio or ab-focused workouts.

It’s not common and not everyone can do it, but the thought is that working the muscles in your core also stimulates the genitals. More blood flow gets to your bits and that, combined with the feel-good happy hormones released during exercise, might—might—bring you to orgasm.

Fantasy orgasm

Did you know it’s possible to climax using just your mind? A fantasy orgasm means you aren’t using physical touch and instead are essentially daydreaming about sexy desires and fantasies until you reach orgasm.

This might happen when using breathwork (e.g. breathing to the count of four), while focusing on relaxing parts of your body from head to toe.

Sleep orgasm

Okay, we might be cheating a little, because you really don’t have a lot of control over a sleep orgasm. It’s exactly what it sounds like: having an orgasm in your sleep. There isn’t a way to predict when it will happen or really encourage it. Sex researchers who looked into this don’t know if it’s from dreams or unknowingly touching yourself in your sleep. But if you have one, enjoy it!