We explore what happens in a woman’s body and how these experiences can affect her health. Additionally, we debunk orgasm myths and highlight interesting facts about fertility and getting pregnant – even without an orgasm.
The Key Points in Brief:
- There are four different orgasm phases.
- Women can get pregnant even without an orgasm.
- Orgasms are always clitoral.
- The female orgasm is still a mystery to science.
The Four Phases of the Female Orgasm
Before reaching the peak of pleasure, our body goes through the same phases each time. Learn what happens in our body during the four phases of orgasm, which hormones are released, and how we feel.
1. Arousal Phase
The arousal phase is part of foreplay and can vary greatly in length. This is highly individual from woman to woman. While some may go through this phase quickly, others need more time to fully let go. During the arousal phase, the vagina becomes moist first. This vaginal fluid is produced by the vaginal walls during sexual arousal and acts as a natural lubricant. Additionally, the clitoris and labia swell, the nipples become erect, and both heart rate and blood pressure rise.
Good to know: Vaginal moisture can vary during the arousal phase and is strongly influenced by the specific phase of the menstrual cycle. Hormones also play a crucial role in regulating vaginal moisture.
2. Plateau Phase
In the plateau phase, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure continue to rise. At the same time, the muscles of the pelvic floor and vagina tighten. The clitoral hood also stiffens and becomes more prominent, similar to a penis. The outer labia expand and become more engorged with blood. This phase lasts only a few minutes, as arousal has now reached a certain height, or plateau. The inner labia also become darker in color and continue to swell. Additionally, the breasts enlarge, and the vagina secretes a fluid from the Bartholin glands, which makes it easier for the penis to glide in.
3. Orgasm Phase
Now comes the climax – an intense state of euphoria and an overwhelming feeling of happiness! During the female orgasm, hormones such as adrenaline, estrogen, and testosterone cause the muscles in the pelvic floor, uterus, and vagina to rhythmically contract multiple times. Breathing rate, heart rate, and blood pressure all reach their maximum. At the same time, large amounts of the ‘feel-good’ hormones dopamine and endorphins are released, flooding the body like a wave. The intensity of the orgasm can vary and is dependent on many physical and emotional factors. The hormone oxytocin, which is released, also strengthens the bond with your partner. In women, the orgasm can last anywhere from a few seconds to up to a minute. Compared to men, women can experience multiple orgasms in a row.
Good to know: Some women can also ejaculate. During peak sexual arousal, they release fluid in drops from the so-called Skene glands. These glands are located in spongy tissue around the urethra. And because the fluid resembles that of the male prostate, they are also referred to as the ‘female prostate.’ This area swells during arousal and is commonly known as the G-spot.
4. Resolution Phase
The resolution phase describes the time immediately after the orgasm. The labia and clitoris gradually return to their normal size, and all the muscles relax. Heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure also return to normal. While the contraction of the vagina is usually completed within about 15 minutes, the reduction in size of the labia and clitoris can take up to three hours. The level of the hormone prolactin doubles, which, together with the released oxytocin, makes you feel pleasantly relaxed.
Good to know: Sometimes, however, there can be an unexpected shift in emotions: the so-called postcoital dysphoria could be the reason. It manifests as an inexplicable sadness, sorrow, discomfort, and irritability after otherwise satisfying, consensual sex. Here’s how it happens:
Can You Get Pregnant Without an Orgasm?
Yes, women can get pregnant even without an orgasm. However, it was long believed that women couldn’t get pregnant without having an orgasm. This idea was based on the assumption that the contractions of the uterus during orgasm are essential for transporting sperm to the egg. This is a myth.
How the Egg Cell Attracts Sperm
In fact, the egg actively helps as well! Israeli researchers have discovered that, at the time of ovulation, there is a tiny temperature difference along the fallopian tube. The sperm, in turn, change direction based on the temperature gradient and move toward the warmer area. It has also been shown that the egg releases specific attractants to guide and attract the sperm in the right direction. The closer the sperm are to their target, the higher the concentration of these attractants. As a result, the sperm are guided to the egg by a sort of navigation system.
Getting Pregnant – Despite the Orgasm Gap
The truth is, women can get pregnant even without having an orgasm. This is evolutionarily important because, if we focus on the ‘Gender Orgasm Gap,’ things would not look good for reproduction. The so-called orgasm gap refers to the fact that, during heterosexual sex, women reach orgasm far less frequently than men. According to one research overview, only 65% of women in heterosexual relationships experience orgasms, while 95% of men do. This is mainly because many women do not reach orgasm from penetration alone. The reason could be that the interior of the vagina is relatively insensitive, and many women need clitoral stimulation to reach climax.
However, this has no impact on pregnancy potential, although, of course, sex during the fertility window should also be enjoyable! The fact is: women can get pregnant without an orgasm during unprotected vaginal sex. As long as the man reaches climax and the fertile window is timed correctly. How you can never miss your fertile days again and get pregnant faster with OvulaRing is explained here:
Vaginal and Clitoral Orgasm – Myth or Truth?
The idea of vaginal and clitoral orgasms is a widespread myth. The truth is: All female orgasms are actually clitoral orgasms. The term ‘vaginal orgasm’ is typically used when a woman reaches climax through penetration alone. But even here, the clitoris is involved! It is now known that the clitoris is much larger than previously thought. Only the tiniest part, the clitoral hood, is visible on the outside. The much larger portion lies hidden inside the body. The clitoris also includes about 9 cm of erectile tissue that surrounds the vagina on the inner thighs and swells during sexual arousal. During penetration, this tissue is indirectly stimulated, which can trigger an orgasm in some women (formerly called vaginal orgasm). Other women, however, experience orgasms primarily from stimulation of the clitoral hood (formerly called clitoral orgasm). In any case, the clitoris is involved in every female orgasm, which is why the term ‘vaginal orgasm’ is misleading.
Good to know: The clitoris has as many as 8,000 nerve endings, making it more sensitive than the tongue and even more sensitive than the penis! The clitoris is a true super-organ. No other body part is as sensitive as it is!
Why Orgasms Are Healthy
Whether during solo sex or with a partner: Orgasms are healthy! They reduce stress hormones, promote relaxation, improve sleep, strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, boost the immune system, and can even relieve pain (e.g., menstrual cramps or migraines) through the hormones released.
Studies also show that regular orgasms can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Additionally, orgasm increases blood circulation in the skin, which improves the complexion and gives us a healthy glow – the orgasm glow! Last but not least, sex can also make us sweat and keep us physically fit. Heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure rise in a similar way to light cardio training. What workout could be more enjoyable?
Outlook
The phenomenon and complexity of the female orgasm is still far from fully understood. Evolutionary biologists continue to puzzle over why it exists at all. Sexual scientists have also not yet deciphered whether there are multiple types of female orgasms, why some women are unable to reach climax, and much more. So far, nine different erogenous zones in the female genital area have been discovered, leading many researchers to now speak of a ‘clitoral complex.’ According to this theory, different erogenous zones are always involved simultaneously to create the pleasurable sensation. One thing the scientific community does agree on: Orgasms are healthy and can have life-extending effects – whether during solo sex or partnered lovemaking!
References
- Hughes C. 2021. Yale researchers investigate sex differences in pain treatment outcomes. https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2021/10/01/yale-researchers-investigate-sex-differences-in-pain-treatment-outcomes/
- Kretz S. 2015. In: GEO Kompakt Nr. 43: Sex. https://www.geo.de/wissen/der-orgasmus—wie-frauen-und-maenner-ihn-erleben-30170808.html
- Michigan State University. MSU Today. 2016. Is sex in later years good for your health? https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2016/is-sex-in-later-years-good-for-your-health
- Lastella M et al. 2019. Sex and Sleep: Perceptions of Sex as a Sleep Promoting Behavior in the General Adult Population. In: Frontiers of Public Health. DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00033
- Pastor Z. 2013. Female ejaculation orgasm vs. coital incontinence: a systematic review. In: J Sex Med. Jul;10(7):1682-91.
- Wildermuth V. 2023. Auf dem Weg zur Zeugung. In: Deutschlandfunk online. https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/auf-dem-weg-zur-zeugung-100.html
