The Female Orgasm – What You Should Know

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 phases of orgasm

1. Women can get pregnant even without an orgasm.
2. Orgasms are always clitoral.
3. 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. Phase Plate

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:

Some women also experience Orgasm problems or are able to, despite being excited no orgasm achieve. Possible causes include stress, hormonal fluctuations, or a lack of clitoral stimulation.

Can You Get Pregnant Without an Orgasm?

Yes, women can get pregnant even without having an orgasm. Even our grandmothers were familiar with the claim that a woman can only conceive if she has an orgasm. Actually, that’s a myth. Although orgasm causes the uterus to contract, which could theoretically make it easier for sperm to travel, these contractions are not necessary. What is crucial is that conception occurs during the fertile window around ovulation.

Couples who are trying to conceive often wonder whether a woman’s orgasm increases the chances of to get pregnant. Some scientists even suspect a kind of “suction effect,” while others see the greatest benefit in stress reduction, which makes the process of trying to conceive less stressful. Studies show that ovulation and fertile days are the most important factors—the Female orgasm It’s nice and healthy, but it’s not a requirement.

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.

Orgasms have no direct effect on the likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, for couples trying to conceive, it’s important to reduce stress and maintain a positive attitude toward sex. An orgasm can help create a relaxed and positive atmosphere—and that’s exactly what makes it easier to have sex regularly during the fertile window.

The fact remains: Women can get pregnant even without an orgasm, as long as unprotected sex takes place during their fertile days and the man reaches climax. Find out here how to reliably identify your fertile days with OvulaRing and increase your chances of getting pregnant faster

Answers to common questions about orgasms

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.

Other women, on the other hand, tend to experience orgasms through stimulation of the clitoral glans (formerly known as a clitoral orgasm). However, the clitoris is always involved in female orgasm, which is why the term “vaginal orgasm” is misleading. Some women also report experiencing what is known as a “dry orgasm,” in which no ejaculate is released. This, too, is a form of female sexual experience.

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 you’re enjoying solo sex or with a partner: orgasms are good for your health! Even for couples with Desire to have children This can be significant: a relaxed body, lower levels of stress hormones, and greater intimacy can improve your chances of getting pregnant more quickly—even though orgasm itself isn’t crucial for conception.

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.

Some women report having multiple orgasms—that is, several climaxes in a row. Others, on the other hand, have experienced what is known as a “ruined orgasm,” in which arousal is interrupted just before climax.

Since many women cannot reach orgasm through penetration alone, it can be helpful to get to know your own body and needs more intimately—together, openly, and without pressure. Aids such as Intimate toys for women by LELO can be a way to experience pleasure in a more personalized way.

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?

Want to learn more? Understanding My Cycle

Outlook

The phenomenon and complexity of the female orgasm have not yet been fully explored. Evolutionary biologists continue to puzzle over why it exists at all. Sexologists have also not yet been able to determine whether there are different types of female orgasms, why some women are unable to reach climax, and many other questions.

To date, nine different erogenous zones have been identified in the female genital area, leading many researchers to now refer to a “clitoral complex.” According to this theory, various erogenous zones are always involved simultaneously in order to produce the sensation of sexual pleasure.

Some women also focus on delaying orgasm or learning techniques to make it easier to reach climax. In sex therapy, this is often discussed under the term “learning to orgasm.”

The scientific community agrees on one thing: orgasms are healthy and can help you live longer—whether you’re enjoying solo sex or making love with a partner!

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 No. 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. On the Path to Conception. In: Deutschlandfunk online. https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/auf-dem-weg-zur-zeugung-100.html