We’re familiar with orgasms that happen as a result of stimulation of the genitals, but did you know there are other ways to experience the big o? Any orgasm feels incredible, and there’s nothing wrong with sticking to what you know. But when I tell people there are different ways of experiencing orgasm - I see their eyes widen.
Before we jump right in, I want to remind you that arousal and orgasms are more than experiences that happen during ‘sex’. Orgasms are complex. They are influenced by our psychological, physical and emotional states as well as our sociological, sexological and spiritual experiences.
There are many ways to experience orgasmic pleasure. When I use the term, “different orgasms” I don’t mean different types of climax, but I’m referring to different ways to evoke sensation. There’s really only one type of orgasm that can be triggered by different parts of the body. Orgasm is a release of sexual tension that occurs in the brain and can be experienced as a physical reflex, i.e. when muscles tighten during sexual arousal and then relax through a series of rhythmic contractions. It can also feel like an emotional release, allowing for you to feel more connected to your body and/or others.
Each orgasm will feel different, depending on how and what part of your body is being aroused. I find that often, we put too much pressure on the genitals and forget about the rest of the body - so here’s your guide to experiencing orgasm differently.
Erogenous Zones
You have many erogenous zones on, in and around your body, in the right context I believe any part of the body can be an erogenous zone. Stimulation of the anus, nipples, lips, throat, neck, ears, inner thighs, back, bum and so on, are all erogenous zones that can lead to orgasmic pleasure. If you don’t feel particularly orgasmic in your body, have no fear - that’s pretty common. You will need to awaken your body, and you can do so with breath, movement, sound, touch and placement of awareness. Explore your whole body and how you like to touch yourself with different pace, rhythm, speed and intensity.
Orgasmic breath
Breath is an erotic pump and is an essential aspect of orgasm which can be used as a tool to enhance pleasure and full body orgasms. So often when it comes to sex, people tense up and hold their breath. Holding your breath reduces the amount of oxygen arriving at your muscles and makes you more tired, faster. As a result, your energy levels can dip, arousal can lessen, an erection can soften, and the sex will end faster. Conscious breathing patterns can prolong sex, stimulate arousal, heighten pleasure and make orgasms more intense. Deep breathing during sex also elevates the sensation of euphoria. So the more you breathe, the better you feel, and the better you feel, the better the orgasm.
Exercise Orgasm
For anyone who’s experienced this - it can be quite surprising!! A coregasm is an orgasm that happens while you’re doing a core exercise or workout. Let me explain... when you engage your muscles to stabilise your core, you will probably be contracting your pelvic floor muscles - these are essential to experiencing orgasm. When I tell clients about this - they find it hard to believe as for many people, exercise isn’t exactly a sexy experience. But in the 1950’s scientists recognised a ‘coregasm’ and referred to it as an exercise-induced orgasm (EIO) or exercise-induced sexual pleasure (EISP). If I’ve sparked your interest and you want to explore this try engaging and releasing your pelvic floor muscles during cardio, abdominal focused exercises or weight training.
Sleep Orgasm
Yes we’ve heard ‘wet dreams’, though the sleep orgasm isn’t just reserved for pubescent teenagers. Many people with vulvas report a blissful awakening to a peak moment of pleasure (what a wake-up call!). Often sleep orgasms are caused by arousing dreams - which can be exciting but sometimes confronting, especially if the sex dream involves people you don’t want to have sex with IRL. Though, sleep orgasms could also be as a result of stimulation of the bedding, clothing or nothing at all.
Multiple Orgasms
The more the merrier! Typically, people with vulvas are more likely to experience multiple orgasms as they don’t have a refractory period after climaxing that requires some downtime before gearing up for round two. They can reach a heightened state of ecstasy with their first orgasm, and then can stay up there on this plateau. By riding this heightened arousal and engorgement with ongoing desired simulation, they can have multiple orgasms. These can come in two forms: sequential (one after the other, with rest time in between) and serial (one right after another). Many people with vulvas can and want to experience this, but for some it may be too intense. If you’re keen to try, use your breath, movement, sound, touch, engage and release your pelvic floor muscles. You’ll be aiming to maintain and upregulate your arousal.
Blended Orgasm
A blended orgasm can be experienced when more than one erogenous zone is stimulated at the same time, leading to climax. Various combinations of stimulation that can lead to a blended orgasm include the gspot and clitoris, the nipples and anus or penis, or the clitoris and neck. Blended orgasms will differ for everyone. While we all experience pleasure and sensation differently, people often report that blended orgasms feel like a more intense, full-body experience that can be felt deep within the body. They can invoke leg-trembling, eye-rolling, sound-inducing responses.
Fantasy/mental orgasms
Your largest sex organ is in between your ears - your brain! Simply thinking or fantasising about something can lead to intense arousal, pleasure and even orgasm. You can literally think yourself off. For some they may simply start thinking sex thoughts to build arousal, others may fantasise their way to climax without any other physical stimulation. Though only a small percentage of people report being able to do this - you may as well give it a red hot crack! Allow your thoughts to wander where they want to go, find your sexiest most arousing scenario (don’t forget to breathe!) and immerse yourself in the fantasy, imagining the setting, people involved, how you’re engaging with other/s, the different things that are arousing you and peak moments of pleasure.
So there you have it! Just a few new ways to explore pleasure and sensation in your body. Your body has a huge range of untapped pleasure potential - why not expand your sexual horizons and explore arousal!
Georgia Grace is a certified coach, writer and pleasure activist. Her mission is to inform and empower people to enjoy their body (and others). Follow Georgia Grace at @gspot._ and browse her website to find out first about courses and special events.
