Climax™
Log in

Summary

Female orgasms explained: truths, types and what to know

Female orgasms explained: truths, types and what to know

Karolina Wilde

Written by Karolina Wilde

Published on 14/03/2025

Last updated 24/03/2025

Understanding the female orgasm is both fascinating and eye-opening. For far too long, myths about "clitoral" and "vaginal" orgasms have shaped cultural conversations, sometimes leaving vulva-owners confused or feeling inadequate. Science, however, paints a more complete, empowering picture.

Many imagine the clitoris as a small external nub, but it is, in fact, a much more intricate organ. With around 8,000 nerve endings dedicated only to pleasure, the clitoris extends internally on both sides of the vaginal opening—its roots branching deep beneath the surface. Most orgasms called "vaginal" are, in reality, the result of stimulating this internal part of the clitoris.

**External clitoral orgasm**: Achieved through external touch—fingers, sex toys or certain positions during intercourse that stimulate the outer clitoris. It is often described as localized, fast to build, and intense—a warm rush focused mainly around the clitoral area.

**Internal clitoral orgasm**: This is sometimes called a "vaginal" orgasm, but it actually stems from stimulation of the internal parts of the clitoris, often involving areas like the so-called "G-spot" or the front vaginal wall. These orgasms are often described as deeper, longer-lasting, and capable of triggering sensations throughout the body.

Although the clitoris takes center stage, other parts of the vulva and vagina also play roles in pleasure. Regions such as the A-spot, O-spot, and the cervix can contribute to orgasm, with research even showing that cervical stimulation alone can lead to climax for some.

Orgasms are not one-size-fits-all. Some experience them through clitoral stimulation, others through the vagina, nipples, sex dreams, or even exercise. No single type is ‘better’—the key is understanding your own body without pressure or comparison.

Knowledge is power. Learning about your own anatomy and recognizing the many ways to experience pleasure can foster confidence and intimacy. At Climax™, we believe every story of pleasure is worthy, and every journey is valid.

(1) Debby Herbenick, Tsung-Chieh (Jane) Fu, Jennifer Arter, Stephanie A. Sanders & Brian Dodge (2018) Women's Experiences With Genital Touching, Sexual Pleasure, and Orgasm: Results From a U.S. Probability Sample of Women Ages 18 to 94, Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 44:2, 201-212, DOI: 10.1080/0092623X.2017.1346530

(2) Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life, Emily Nagoski

(3) O'Connell, Helen & Sanjeevan, Kalavampara & Hutson, John. (2005). Anatomy of the Clitoris. The Journal of urology. 174. 1189-95. 10.1097/01.ju.0000173639.38898.cd.

(4) Pfaus JG, Quintana GR, Mac Cionnaith C, Parada M. The whole versus the sum of some of the parts: toward resolving the apparent controversy of clitoral versus vaginal orgasms. Socioaffect Neurosci Psychol. 2016 Oct 25;6:32578. doi: 10.3402/snp.v6.32578. PMID: 27791968; PMCID: PMC5084726.

(5) O'Connell HE, Eizenberg N, Rahman M, Cleeve J. The anatomy of the distal vagina: towards unity. J Sex Med. 2008 Aug;5(8):1883-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00875.x. Epub 2008 Jun 28. Erratum in: J Sex Med. 2008 Oct;5(10):2477-9. PMID: 18564153.

(6) Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Preti M, Xavier J, Vendeira P, Stockdale CK. G-spot: Fact or Fiction?: A Systematic Review. Sex Med. 2021 Oct;9(5):100435. doi: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100435. Epub 2021 Sep 9. PMID: 34509752; PMCID: PMC8498956.

(7) JOUR Colson, Marie, 2010/03/31, 8, 14, Female orgasm: Myths, facts and controversies, VL 19, 10.1016/j.sexol.2009.11.004, Sexologies

(8) Sayin, Umit. (2012). Doors of Female Orgasmic Consciousness: New Theories on the Peak Experience and Mechanisms of Female Orgasm and Expanded Sexual Response. NeuroQuantology. 10. 692-714. 10.14704/nq.2012.10.4.627.

(9) Komisaruk, Barry & Beyer, C. & Whipple, Beverly. (2008). Orgasm. Psychologist. 21. 100-103.

(10) Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology 2016, 6: 32578 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/snp.v6.32578

(11) Herbenick D, Fortenberry JD. Exercise-induced orgasm and pleasure among women. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 2011 Nov 1;26(4):373-88.

(12) Komisaruk BR, Whipple B. Non-genital orgasms. Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 2011 Nov 1;26(4):356-72.