Orgasm
Hear this word Orgasm
Also known as: Climax, the big O, peaking, cum, coming/cumming, le petite mort
Image description: Experiencing orgasm
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What Is It?
Orgasm is a physical experience that may happen during or at the end of sexual activity. People may experience orgasms in different ways. During an orgasm, muscles in and around the vulva, vagina, cervix, anus, or the penis may repeatedly tighten or squeeze. People may notice that other parts of the body such as the legs, feet, abs, back, arms, hands, or face may also squeeze, tighten, or twist in different ways before or during an orgasm.
During an orgasm, a person’s breathing and heart rate might also increase. This continues until the muscles stop tightening or squeezing in a way that feels very good or relaxing for some people.
A person might ejaculate during an orgasm. A person with a penis might release semen from their penis during ejaculation. A person with a vulva might release a clear or white-ish fluid from small glands near of the opening of the urethra. Some people experience orgasm without ejaculation.
Sometimes people experience orgasm as a strong feeling of pleasure or relaxation throughout their body.
People may have pleasurable sexual experiences with or without orgasms.
Orgasm is not a sign of consent.
An Example
Cassie notices that it is easy for her to orgasm when she masturbates but it takes more time with a partner. Her partner understands so they take more time during sex and use more foreplay to help create a more comfortable and potentially orgasmic experience for Cassie. They enjoy themselves either way.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- People do not experience orgasm in the same way. Some people need more or less time to have an orgasm. Some people might only orgasm during masturbation but not with a partner. Other people orgasm when certain parts of their body are stimulated but not other parts.
- Sometimes people use a sex toy during sexual activity and to help have an orgasm.
- If a person wants to orgasm and is having difficulty, they can contact a sex therapist or a pelvic specialist for support.
- Sometimes orgasms feel very good and very pleasurable. However, due to many different reasons including trauma or medical conditions orgasms may not feel good, safe, or pleasurable.
- Orgasm is a physical reaction that happens during or at the end of sexual activity. Experiencing an orgasm does not confirm that sexual activity was pleasurable for the person.
- People can enjoy an orgasm by themselves or with their partners.
- Orgasms are not required for sexual activity to be pleasurable. Many people enjoy sexual activities without having an orgasm.
- Sometimes the body will orgasm even if the person has not consented to sexual activity. Orgasm is not a sign of consent.
Think about
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What did you learn about orgasm?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.