Some experience orgasm through vaginal stimulation, sometimes referred to as a vaginal orgasm, more easily than others. If you’re interested in figuring out this phenomenon or just want to experience it more often, we’ve got some tips that can boost your chances. But first, let’s talk a little bit about the science of female orgasm.
Historically, there has been a large knowledge gap in the science of female orgasms. As researchers began to describe female orgasms, they categorized them as vaginal and clitoral, depending on whether stimulation of the vagina or clitoris caused the orgasm. As our understanding of the female body developed, these terms became a bit outdated.
Today, we know from more comprehensive studies that the brain reacts differently depending on which area of the body is stimulated. Many people report feeling different sensations depending on whether their vagina or clitoris is being touched.
As scientists continue to explore what exactly happens during clitoral or vaginal stimulation, they often agree that dividing female orgasms into different types isn’t too helpful. A recent study published in The Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy discovered that roughly 37 percent of American women required clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm. The same study found that fewer than one in five women orgasmed through vaginal stimulation alone.
Achieving orgasm via vaginal stimulation may require mixing up your sex life in a few ways, such as by using lubrication, trying new positions, and maximizing your sexual arousal. Here are some tips you might want to explore.
Many people underestimate the power of foreplay. The act of foreplay is especially important for female orgasm because it takes the female body longer to reach the level of arousal needed to have one.
Foreplay serves both physical and emotional purposes. It prepares the mind and body for sex. Preferences for foreplay vary from person to person, but the process of getting sexually aroused helps the vagina create lubrication. Lubrication is essential for comfortable sex and orgasms, so it’s worth spending some time on foreplay.
Although what methods of foreplay you use depend on what you and your partner enjoy, sex educators suggest giving each other shoulder massages, kissing, and touching before sex.
2. Add some clitoral stimulation during vaginal sex
Located above the vagina, right on the pubic bone, the clitoris is often partially covered by a small “hood” of skin. It is the most sensitive erogenous — that is, sexually responsive — part of the female body. Stimulating the clitoris can create a pleasurable feeling, especially as you approach orgasm.
To increase the chances of having an orgasm, direct clitoral stimulation is often needed. This can be done with a toy, fingers, or your partner’s tongue. Sex educators suggest experimenting with different amounts of pressure and touch to see what works for you.
Because you know your body better than anyone, you can let your partner know specifically how to help you reach an orgasm.
Some people report they can achieve orgasm through vaginal stimulation if they have orgasmed before intercourse. For them, an orgasm prior to sex helps them feel primed for another orgasm and deepens the sensations they experience.
In other words, once you’ve already had an orgasm, the chances of achieving another one (at least!) can increase.
The best position for exploring orgasm with vaginal penetration, which people sometimes call a vaginal orgasm, is one that provides the amount and type of stimulation of the clitoris or the G-spot (a highly sensitive part of the vagina that isn’t fully understood yet) that you need. Although positions feel somewhat different for everyone, a few possibilities include the following:
In “doggy style,” the penis applies pressure to the G-spot to help you orgasm.
For some people, “woman on top” is more effective. This position provides the best stimulation of the G-spot, given the angle of the penis. What’s more, you can easily control the pace, depth, and angle during sex.
In the “sitting” position, you sit on your partner’s lap to achieve deep penetration and increased clitoral stimulation. As a bonus, this position can also create plenty of intimacy!
Yes, different positions can offer a good penetration angle. Foreplay can help your body lubricate better. But what about open communication with your partner?
Honest communication with your partner can promote transparency and trust. When you’re open in the bedroom, share your preferences, passions, turn-offs, and fantasies, the chances of reaching an orgasm increase.
Try talking together to find out what you like and to minimize guessing. You may want to experiment with new options until you find the best fit for you and your partner.
Some couples may assume they have to mimic sex as it’s portrayed in pornography. However, this type of sex may cause ejaculation to happen too quickly.
Although there’s no single “right” way to have sex, most people enjoy a mix of fast and slow tempos. You may like changing speeds quickly from slow to fast, then relaxing for a minute and speeding things up again.
In general, the key is to keep experimenting with a bunch of techniques and styles to find out what works best for your sex life.
If you want to make things move more smoothly, use lube. Lubricant adds moisture, which can reduce friction and make sex more comfortable.
Some people’s bodies always produce enough lubrication. However, it’s also normal to need a little lube due to cycle-related hormone changes, menopause, stress, or pregnancy.
This one addition to your sex life can help you explore “vaginal orgasm.” Whichever type of lube you decide to use, apply it on your fingertips and then on the desired area or a sex toy. If you use condoms, be sure to avoid oil-based lubricants. And if you’re using a toy, make sure your lube is compatible.
Great sex might require a combo of lube, clitoral stimulation, and open communication. The one remaining ingredient is a relaxed mind.
To achieve orgasm through vaginal stimulation, or vaginal orgasm, let yourself relax and enjoy the experience. Allow your mind and body to experience sex fully. Let go of thoughts, except sexual fantasies, and focus on the sensations in your body.
It’s also important to get plenty of rest, exercise regularly, and eat balanced foods. These building blocks can also improve your overall health and mood.
Above all, learn how to love your body. Taking small, positive steps toward self-acceptance can play an important role in feeling sexual satisfaction and having orgasms.
If you’ve tried all these tricks and tips but aren’t having orgasms through vaginal stimulation, this is perfectly normal. Direct clitoral stimulation is usually needed to experience female orgasm. But because the clitoris is located outside the vagina, it is rarely stimulated during penetrative sex.
Orgasm is orgasm regardless of the way it’s achieved — by penetration, clitoral stimulation, a combination of both, or even during sleep or from exercise. Whether female orgasms should be divided into separate types is still a controversial topic among scientists. Penetrative sex simply might not provide enough direct clitoral stimulation to get your body to orgasm through vaginal stimulation alone. A blend of factors influences sexual arousal and orgasms in general, as what works best for their body is different for everyone.