You are here:

askTheSite

young worried couple

askTheSite puts you in direct contact with expert advisors across a range of topics.

Next Steps

  • NHS.uk - Find out about the four stages of sexual arousal in women.
    Tel: 0845 4647

Related articles

Clitoris confidence

Swot up on what it is, where it is, and what to do when you find it.

Drive your woman wild

We go under the covers in search of the truth.

Female masturbation

Nice girls don't, do they? Truth or taboo - you decide.

G-Spotting

What is it, how does it work, and where the hell is it?

Sex chat with Emily Dubberley - Part 1

Find out what happened when we gave you the chance to ask a sex guru absolutely anything.

How was it for you?

keyboard

Help us to make TheSite.org the best that it can be by filling out our feedback survey

Join the discussion

talking

Share advice, meet like-minded people or have a rant. All on the discussion boards.

Local advice finder

Search our database of more than 16,500 local, regional and national organisations which offer advice and support.

Latest articles

The female orgasm

How was it for you? TheSite.org delves under the covers to find out.

What is it?

A peak of sexual excitement, marking a moment of intense pleasure. The female orgasm lasts a few seconds, followed by a feeling of relaxation. Continued stimulation may also result in further orgasms. Unlike the men, some women are able to do this without the need to rest for a short period of time, smoke a cigarette or order in pizza.

Do women only climax during penetrative sex?

Far from it. The fact is very few women orgasm solely as a result of the penis penetrating the vagina, it's more likely to happen through stimulation (touching/rubbing/kissing) of the clitoris - the highly sensitive bump located at the top of the vaginal lips.

How does it feel?

The 'earth moves' differently for every woman. What's more it can vary in strength and duration each time. There is no all-embracing description of the female orgasm, but according to sources at The Site it can feel:

  • "Soul sapping."
  • "The same as it does for boys, only different."
  • "A throbbing, electric sensation that spreads out through the body."

What are the physical signs?

Here are some general orgasm indicators, describing the build up and the moment itself:

  • rising feeling of intense pleasure;
  • increase in blood pressure and pulse rate;
  • breathing quickens;
  • increase in vaginal lubrication;
  • clitoris becomes erect and exposed;
  • breasts become enlarged, nipples erect;
  • skin flushes, particularly the face and chest;
  • pelvic muscle spasms, causing vaginal contractions and orgasmic sensations.

Why does it happen?

In men, the orgasm is all tied up with a specific reproductive function - sperm ejaculation. Women don't have to orgasm during sex in order to conceive, which makes the reason why it happens hard to pin down. Here are some of the more interesting (and questionable) theories, none of which address the simple fact - if it's enjoyable, who needs theories?

  • After climax, you're more likely to lie down, thus increasing sperm retention and boosting your chances of conception!
  • The muscular contractions associated with the female orgasm help pull sperm from the vagina to the cervix, again boosting conception chances.
  • To create an emotional bond between lovers. Ahhhh.
  • A means of communicating sexual satisfaction to your partner (always a good thing).

Print this page Add to favourites