Male Orgasms and 14 Unique Types of Orgasms
author: Sunny rodgers
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARI SAPERSTEIN
The description of a male climax and a volcanic eruption are almost interchangeable–an energetic discharge of tension and hot material expelled with force from deep within.
According to Masters and Johnson’s four-phase model, the orgasm is a short climatic phase of the sexual response cycle. With a male orgasm, muscles involuntarily contract as heart rate, breathing and blood pressure rise. Repeated contractions occur at the base of the penis as semen is ejaculated.
Elixir of Life
Statistics from the World Health Organization state that the average male produces 1.5 to 5 millileters of semen at each ejaculation. Semen is chock full of amazing health benefits, given that sperm only comprises 3 percent of semen, while the rest of the fluid is comprised of 200 separate proteins. Semen is rich in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, vitamins B12 and C, zinc, potassium and more. According to research by The Artic University of Norway (UiT), Spermine, a compound found in sperm, contains potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Research by Gordon Gallup and Rebecca Burch (State University of New York at Albany) and psychologist Steven Platek (University of Liverpool) concluded that semen, and with it sperm, provides mood-elevating estrone and oxytocin, affection-promoting cortisol, sleep-inducing melatonin and antidepressant qualities.
There is even a semen recipe book, Natural Harvest: A collection of semen-based recipes, that touts the healthy benefits of ingesting semen. Watch out turmeric, kale and coconut water— a new superfood is on the market!
Many Taoists during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) of China believed that the loss of semen led to the loss of their vital life force. While some Taoists pledged to never ejaculate, others created specific sexual practices to extend the period between their orgasm and ejaculation. Some of these ancient methods are still used today.
Are orgasms and ejaculation the same or different?
Studies by Benjamin Breyer of the University of California, San Francisco, found male orgasms and ejaculation are two separate physiological processes. Orgasm is experienced first as a sexual pleasure peak, followed by the ejaculation of semen.
How can men develop stronger orgasms?
For better orgasms, focus on your penis and the pleasurable sensations it is experiencing. In Orgasms: Part 1, I shared that the brain is your biggest sexual organ as it is where your sex drive stems from. If your brain and mind are fully engaged in the act of orgasming, you will have a stronger, more intense orgasm.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, specifically your pubococcygeus muscle which contracts rhythmically during orgasm will help improve the intensity of climaxes and create stronger orgasmic contractions.
Pelvic floor muscles are the layer of muscles that support abdominal and pelvic organs. If you squeeze your pelvic muscles to stop your urine mid-stream, you’ve isolated your pelvic floor muscles. Squeezing this pubococcygeus muscle can also make your penis bounce. Making these muscles stronger allows for greater control of your orgasms.
To exercise, squeeze these muscles, holding tight for 2-3 few seconds and release. Repeat 10-20 times in a row up to three times each day. For maximum results, these exercises should be done on a regular basis.
Try edging. Edging is a form of orgasm control. Also called peaking or surging, the technique is used to bring yourself to the edge of your climax… and then stop without ejaculating. Try masturbating for 20-30 minutes without ejaculation. Control your breathing and take deep breaths. Allow your arousal to subside each time. Edging also allows you to feel when you’re close to climaxing and experience fully each sensation that arises close to your peak. This aids you during partner sex by allowing you to maintain your erection for a longer period of time.
The longer you can delay having an orgasm, the stronger the physical sensations will be when climax is reached. Edging will not only help a man prolong his sex play, but will also lead to stronger, more satisfying orgasms.
Enjoy more penetrative sex. According to studies by Professor Stuart Brody, PhD, the body releases 400% more of the hormone prolactin, which the International Society for Sexual Medicine states regulates sexual satisfaction, following vaginal penetration than it does after masturbation. Although this study focused only on vaginal penetration, penetrative sex can include anal play and sex toys. When you do finally allow yourself to orgasm after practicing edging, the experience will be incredibly powerful.
Come Together
The Annual Global Orgasm for World Peace has been held every year since 2010 on Winter Solstice. They believe orgasms can be used as collective prayers. Whether with a partner or with yourself, will you join their event this year?
How many types of orgasms are there?
14 orgasms will be explored here, and they are not geared toward any specific gender. If you have the anatomy that allows for a particular orgasm, I urge you to experiment with your pleasure.
Incredibly, the amount of unique and varied types of orgasms seems to be constantly growing. As people continue to explore their bodies in healthy, intimate ways, more sources of pleasure are sure to be discovered.
Please keep in mind that my view isn’t everyone’s view. Although I don’t agree with her findings, sexologist Dr. Vivienne Cass, author of The Elusive Orgasm, believes there is only one orgasmic response possible in women. With that in mind, let’s dive right in!
1. VAGINAL: With a vaginal orgasm some type of penetrative stimulation is necessary. A vaginal orgasm isn’t thought to be as intense as other types of orgasms but is felt deeper inside of the vaginal canal.
2. ORAL: Not oral in the manner you may be thinking, an oral orgasm is attained from kissing or orally pleasuring someone else. A person’s lips have a heightened sensitivity. Yes, a sexy kiss can cause biological reactions. Research has found that kissing can cause an increase in oxytocin (the love hormone), which is released during orgasm. Donald Lateiner of Ohio Wesleyan University studied kissing in ancient history and found that there is strong chemistry exchanged during a kiss. Helen Fisher, PhD, a Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute, has conducted extensive research on human sex and says that kissing is a powerful process of mate choice. Extended passionate kissing can lead to an orgasm. Others find that performing oral sex on others brings them to climax.
If your tongue and/or mouth is extremely sensitive, you may find yourself able to experience an oral orgasm. Some people report that the arousing sensations begin in the tongue and/or mouth and travel down to their genitals to initiate an orgasm.
3. ANAL: An anal orgasm can be an intense experience. Many people have found that they have stronger orgasms with anal sex play due to the multitude of sensitive nerves located in the anal region. Many couples relish in how anally responsive their partners are at the slightest touch. Anal intercourse can be a way to share sex play experiences that are intense and bonding for both partners. The Sex Ed will be covering anal play in greater depth in a future essay.
4. CLITORAL: The clitoris is estimated to have approximately 8,000 nerve endings, which explains why clitoral orgasms are so incredibly powerful. A 2017 study published in The Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy shared that 36.6 percent of women in the U.S. require clitoral stimulation in order to reach climax, which makes this a common orgasm.
5. G-SPOT: Also known as the Gräfenberg spot, is located about an inch inside the vaginal canal, forward near your belly button. It is about the size of a small walnut and has a spongy texture. This area is sensitive and will swell when aroused. G-Spot orgasms are said to be more intense than vaginal orgasms, but not as powerful as clitoral orgasms. Using a toy crafted to stimulate the G-spot, such as a stainless steel njoy Pure Wand, makes it simpler to locate and arouse the G-Spot area.
6. COREGASM: When I first discovered this orgasm I thought that it was just a ploy to entice me to exercise. A coregasm is said to be reached strictly from working out. The book, The Coregasm Workoutadvocates raising heart rate and performing lower abdominal and core exercises, claiming that in turn it will draw enough blood directly to your genital area that it results in a small orgasm.
Please write to us at The Sex Ed if you’ve ever experienced a coregasm during your workout.
7. A-SPOT: In her book “Contraception”, published in the early 1920’s, Marie Stopes describes the anterior fornix erogenous zone as being able to cause arousal when touched. Also called the AFE or AFE zone, the A-spot is thought of as the second G-spot. As it is located deep within the vaginal canal it can be somewhat hard to find. The A-spot can be found near the deepest point of the front anterior wall of the vagina above the cervix where sensitive nerves are located. The A-spot is where the wall of the vagina begins to curve upward in between the uterus and rectum.
Even though Ms. Stopes published her findings in her book, it wasn’t until Dr. Chua Chee Ann published his self-funded study in early 1997 that the A-spot was officially discovered.
To locate the A-spot, use a clean, lubricated finger with trimmed nails. Reach inside the vaginal canal towards the cervix, which will feel rounder and a bit tougher than the vaginal tissue. If you feel forward and above the cervix, you feel find a spongy area that will rapidly respond with arousal when you apply pressure or stroke this area. Once found, it doesn’t take long for continual stimulation to lead to strong, pulsing orgasm.
A-spot stimulation was discovered by Dr. Chua when he was researching vaginal dryness and found that his test subjects experienced greater overall natural lubrication when practicing A-spot massage daily for a week.
8. CERVICAL ORGASM: Because cervical orgasms occur deep inside, they can be considerably more intense on several levels. According to Sexual Reflexology: Activating the Taoist Points of Love, the cervix is literally a woman’s “inner core,” and has the ability to create an orgasm that allows sexual energy to flow, releasing built-up tension which in some circumstances can often lead to a full-body orgasm.
Begin in a comfortable position that allows for access to the cervix, which is approximately one inch in diameter with a small hole in the middle of it, and often looks like puckered lips. I recommend laying on your back with a pillow under your rear or laying on your side for easier penetration. (Note: If attempting this during partner penetration, a position such as doggy style will allow for deep internal massage.)
Begin with plenty of lubrication and using gentle stroking, massage your deepest core, your cervix. It will feel more like rubber than the spongy walls of the vagina. Breathe calmly and begin to massage your cervix with coaxing massage that relaxes you from within. If your fingers aren’t a good option, cervical massage can also be done with a crystal wand or by holding a jade Yoni egg. Using one of these elements can allow for quicker tension relief during this initial massage.
Try meditating to bring your consciousness into your body and mindfully focus deep inside your vagina. Stay in the moment as you continue to massage your cervix with gentle strokes. Take your time – cervical orgasms need time to build. At first you’ll feel a wonderful tingling moving through your body to your extremities. As your cervical orgasm begins to peak your entire body will have wave after wave of pleasure rippling through it. Because it’s a more intense orgasm, the relaxation period afterwards will be just as fulfilling.
9. BLENDED: A blended orgasm happens when two (or more) different types of orgasm are experienced at the same time. Women who have reported having a blended orgasm share that a mix of simultaneous clitoral and vaginal stimulation resulted in a toe-curling orgasm that can feel like it is shaking them from head to toe with its intensity.
Shared from Orgasms: Part 1 - What is clitourethrovaginal and how may it affect orgasms?
While many feel clitoral stimulation is at the heart of orgasms, some studies are now linking orgasms to anatomical interactions between the clitoris, urethra, and anterior vaginal wall, hence clitourethrovaginal. This theory was discovered during research of the Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) and states that it is the synergy between all the anatomical areas that allow for an orgasm to happen.
10. NIPPLE: There is fMRI scanner research by a team of researchers at Rutgers University showing that nipple stimulation activates the same part of the brain that responds to genital stimulation, hence the possibility of nipple orgasms for some people.
Nipples are sensitive erogenous zones which are connected via energy channels to the clitoris on women and the frenulum (considered the “male clitoris” as it is the most sensitive part of a penis) on men. According to the book, Healing Love through the Tao: Cultivating Female Sexual Energy, the Kidney meridian passes through the breasts and when the nipples are stimulated, so to are the kidney and bladder, which in turn helps activate the sexual glands. Thus, stimulation of the nipples will cause an arousal of the whole genital area. Continued stimulation of the nipples can result in an actual orgasm.
Circle the pigmented portion of the nipple with your fingers or mouth until the nipple becomes hard. Then stimulate each nipple with gentle rubbing or slight pinching. You can use fingers, a vibrator or a mouth to arouse nipples. Be patient and try different pressures of touching, rubbing, pinching, pulling, kneading, and twisting nipples to explore sensations and to determine which provides the preferred form of arousal. You and a partner can try experimenting with licking, sucking, nibbling or biting nipples depending on level of nipple play.
The harder the nipples become, the more sensitive they are to direct stimulation. At this point, you can stimulate both nipples at the same time, incorporating pulling and sucking. Much like the moment before other orgasms, don’t stop but don’t keep going full steam until an orgasm is reached.
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11. MENTAL: I’ve met people who can bring themselves to orgasms by just thinking about having an orgasm. Consider it meditative sex. Try laying down, clearing your mind and thinking yourself into an orgasm.
Your brain is a powerful machine. Studies on the power of suggestion and the subconscious mind have shown that what you can visualize and imagine, your subconscious can consider is real. If you are mentally and/or meditatively having an incredible sexual experience, your body can respond to your steamy thoughts. This has also been referred to as “thinking off.”
Sexologist and author of Urban Tantra, Barbara Carrellas was placed inside an MRI machine by researchers at Rutgers University to study her ability to think herself to orgasm. They found that parts of Carrellas’ brain did indeed respond to her climaxes. She shares her technique here on YouTube.
12. U-SPOT: Also known as a urethra orgasm, this type of orgasm isn’t too surprising given the urethra is located under the clitoral hood. The urethra is the passage where urine flows out of the bladder. The G-spot is surrounded by the urethral sponge so this area is particularly sensitive and can be coaxed to orgasm. With the urethra in the middle of the clitoral region, stimulating the U-spot helps trigger a clitoral-type of orgasm.
13. ZONEGASM: I know people who have ultra-sensitive erogenous zones in places like behind their knees, in the crook of their elbows or behind their ears, so genital touch isn’t always necessary for orgasm. A lot of times it’s about exploring a body and discovering what the hot spots are.
14. BIRTHGASM: Also referred to as an ecstatic birth, it has been found that some women can experience an orgasm while giving birth. The pushing involved in the labor process stimulates erogenous areas that can result in an unexpected climax. A 2013 survey by Sexologies, the European Journal of Sexual Health, found that midwives reported witnessing orgasmic births in approximately 0.3 percent of their clients.
But have we only scratched the surface when it comes to unique types of orgasms?
A long-time friend, Katie (her name has been changed), shared with me that she can orgasm when she hears glass breaking. Of course, I was skeptical until we went wine tasting and someone dropped a glass. Katie’s face instantly contorted as she grasped herself between her legs like she had been kicked. The wine glass bounced twice before it broke—and I observed that each of those bounces were like foreplay for Katie. When it shattered on the third bounce it was obvious that Katie had orgasmed. This made me realize that there are still unknown orgasmic factors that haven’t been discovered, shared, or even researched. With our ever-growing avenues of society shareability, perhaps new orgasms will be discovered more often.
FAQ:
Can women have extended orgasms?
It is thought that female orgasms last approximately 15 seconds. However, sexperts Alan and Donna Brauer created a method to extend the female orgasm up to a half an hour in length. They titled their method the Brauers’ Extended Sexual Orgasm (ESO) technique and published a book covering the technique in depth. The Brauer’s advocate fully embracing pleasure, masturbating regularly and practicing pelvic floor exercises to optimize orgasmic responses.
I feel that the more women can enjoy their own bodies, the better connected they will be to their bodies’ sexual responses – helping to achieve stronger orgasms in a quicker period of time and for a longer length. I think it is important for a woman to be as informed as possible about sex and her body so she is able to take control of her own pleasure. Waiting around for her partner to discover her clitoris or what turns her on can be frustrating. Trust me on this—sexual partners like it when they have an actively committed partner to show them exactly what pleases you–this in itself is a huge turn-on.
Can men have multiple orgasms?
According to a 2015 Rutgers University study published in the Journal of Sex Education and Therapy, it is possible for men to have multiple ejaculatory orgasms.
During my clinical sexologist training I discovered a campy, yet delightful instructional video, The Maxwell Multiple Climax, that teaches men how to have multiple orgasms using a step-by-step program.
Is having an orgasm is the goal of sex?
An orgasm can be a happy byproduct of sex but should never be the ultimate goal. Sex can be many things – a release, a satisfying experience, a stress-reliever, an intimate bonding experience, a way to make a baby, a way to boost hormones or raise ones’ self-esteem. Sex can have many goals, or none at all!