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- Female orgasms result from stimulating erogenous zones like the nipples or clitoris.
- You can also have an orgasm by touching your A-spot, which is located at the mouth of the cervix.
- People with vaginas can also have anal orgasms from stimulating the sphincter.
- Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.
Thanks to an array or erogenous zones, people with vaginas are capable of multiple different types of orgasms. And you may discover you enjoy one type over another, so take some time to get to know your body to unlock its maximum pleasure potential.
For help, here are six different types of orgasms you can have with a vagina, as well as tips for how to attain them.
1. Clitoral orgasm
The clitoris has about 8,000 nerve endings, which is twice as many as a penis has, says sex therapist Britney Blair, PsyD, a sex therapist and Chief Science Officer of the Lover app. It's no wonder stimulating the clitoris can feel so good and result in orgasms.
In fact, stimulating the clitoris might be a more effective way of having an orgasm than vaginal stimulation. A 2017 study found 36.6% of women said they needed direct clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm during sex.
How to have a clitoral orgasm: Be patient and don't rush into stimulating the ultra-sensitive clitoris. "In the physiology of clitoral arousal, most folks need around 20 minutes of clitoral stimulation to reach climax," says Blair. She says you can have a clitoral orgasm from:
- Oral sex
- Manual fingering
- Sex toys such as vibrators
Another newer type of sex toy, called clitoral stimulators, can be great for clitoral orgasms as they use suction instead of vibration, says sex therapist Indigo Stray Conger, LMFT, CST, who practices at Mile High Psychotherapy. The most popular toy in this category is The Womanizer.
2. G-spot orgasm
The G-spot is about two inches inside of the vagina on the anterior (or, front) wall. "Even though it's called a spot, it's more of a zone, and its exact placement varies for everyone, says Blair.
Many people with vaginas find pleasure from G-spot stimulation because the G-spot is actually an extension of the clitoris. Additionally, sometimes G-spot orgasms result in ejaculation, or squirting, says Blair.
How to have a G-spot orgasm: The first step to having a G-spot orgasm is being able to locate your G-spot. Blair says you can find it by inserting one or two lubed fingers into the vagina, palm facing up. Then, use a "come hither" motion with your fingers to feel for the G-spot a couple of inches in on the front wall.
You can stimulate your G-spot to have an orgasm by just using your fingers, but you can also try a sex toy such as a pulsator, particularly a curved one so it hits the G-spot more easily, says Conger. Pulsators can thrust back and forth on their own, easily stroking the G-spot.
3. Blended orgasm
A blended orgasm happens when you stimulate both the clitoris and G-spot simultaneously for a double orgasm that's often more intense, says Blair.
How to have a blended orgasm: Conger recommends using a toy that can stimulate your G-spot and clitoris at the same time, such as a pulsator that also has an external piece that vibrates on the clitoris. "Rabbit" vibrators are a great choice for blended orgasms.
4. Anal orgasm
An anal orgasm is primarily induced by stimulating nerve endings in and around the anal sphincter, which is the opening of the anus, says Conger. She says anal orgasms may be more accessible to some people than to others based on unique pelvic nerve pathways that may vary from person to person.
How to have an anal orgasm: If you're new to anal stimulation try these tips from Conger:
- Use plenty of lube and go slowly so as to not injure yourself.
- Avoid over-stimulation whether using a toy, finger, penis, tongue, or toy. "A pleasurable sensation can quickly evolve into pain or irritation, leading muscles to tighten and orgasm to become less accessible," says Conger.
- Remember nerve endings are at the mouth of the anus, not deep inside, so that's where the focus should be.
- Never use the same toys both vaginally and anally to prevent infection.
- Use toys specifically made for anal usage and avoid toys that can get lost inside the body or break off (such as anal beads attached with string or dildos that don't have a flared base).
5. Cervical/A-spot orgasm
The A-spot is located at the mouth of the cervix, a few inches higher up the anterior vaginal wall from where the G-spot is located, says Conger.
"Sensations created through stimulating the A-spot tend to be intense; not everyone loves the feeling created by exploring this area. However, stimulating the A-spot for some female bodies can intensify orgasm to a level never felt before," says Conger.
How to have a cervical/A-spot orgasm: It's important to move slowly and sensually when you're trying to stimulate this area, says Conger. She recommends starting by stimulating the nerve endings in the clitoris and G-spot before moving upwards towards the cervix.
"Initially, try the same type of stimulation you find enjoyable on other parts of your genitalia -- vibration, stroking, thrusting -- and then, if there's at least a hint of pleasure, explore other types of stimulation to see how the sensation shifts," says Conger.
You can use your fingers, or, if they aren't long enough or if you'd just prefer something else, use a toy that's long enough for deep penetration. You might also try to achieve a cervical orgasm by having sex in positions that allow for deep penetration, such as doggy.
6. Nipple orgasm
Because the nipples are an erogenous zone, you can orgasm just from touching them. But this might take some more practice.
"Nipple stimulation sends signals to the same region of the brain as genital stimulation, so if you're able to focus on pleasure and not pressure, you may find this intensely arousing," says Blair.
Blair says nipple orgasms can range from low to extremely high intensity and can cause contractions in your genital region.
How to have a nipple orgasm: Blair recommends starting with gentle touch and then building up to more intense stimulation. For example, start with gently stroking the nipples and then you can move on to having your partner suck on or lick them. You can even try using nipple clamps or vibrators.
Insider's takeaway
There are many different ways for people with vaginas to experience pleasure, and there isn't necessarily one "best" type of orgasm. Experiment with all types of stimulation of different erogenous zones to figure out what's most pleasurable for you, and then lay back and enjoy.