Ever wonder why certain things bring you to orgasm and others don’t?

There are actually different types of orgasms — and penetrative vaginal orgasms don’t always take the cake. From the classic clit orgasm to the fun and elusive nipple orgasm, there are plenty to explore. Here’s a guide to your body’s favorite erogenous zones and which ones could get you to the finish line. 

What is an orgasm?  

An orgasm is a powerful physical and emotional response to sexual arousal. It's a release of sexual tension that often includes pelvic muscle contractions, full-body tremors, and intense pleasure.  

While it's certainly not the be-all and end-all of sex, orgasms are sought after for their waves of pleasure. They tend to last between 10 and 60 seconds, during which your genitals and entire body ripple. In people with vaginas, the muscle contractions associated with orgasm vary in intensity and often include the vagina, uterus, and anus. 

Orgasms typically involve the pleasure, reward, and emotion-processing brain regions, which release feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. Some brain regions responsible for behavioral control are less active during the act — which is why your body might move or tremble in ways you can’t control. Orgasms also increase heart rate and metabolism, leading to flushed cheeks or the sex “afterglow.”

If you’re sexually active, you’re probably already familiar with clitoral and vaginal orgasms. But there’s more to it than just those two — and some of the other types of female orgasms might surprise you. Expanding your horizons can open up your world and bring pleasure in new, exciting, sexy ways, whether you love a good solo session or prefer to get your partner (or partners) involved. 

8 types of orgasms   

Cosmopolitan surveyed 2,300 people with vaginas between the ages of 18 and 40 about their orgasms, and the results were surprising. The survey found that 39% of respondents had their big Os while masturbating, and only 15% of them got off without clit stimulation during P-in-V intercourse. 

This just shows that there’s a lot more to orgasm than penetration — and we’re here for it. Here's a closer look at eight different types of orgasms and the best ways to achieve them, from anal orgasm to vaginal orgasm: 

1. Clitoral orgasm 

Clitoral orgasms are pretty standard. They involve direct stimulation of the clitoris, a highly sensitive sex organ with millions of nerve endings. The clitoris has an accessible nub located at the top of the vulva, above the urethra. To have this type of orgasm, try manual stimulation, oral sex, or using a sex toy like a vibrator with varying pressure and rhythms. 

2. Anal orgasm 

Anal stimulation is pleasurable and even orgasmic for some people, which may be due to the anus's close proximity to genital nerve endings. Exploring anal orgasms involves licking, touching, and even penetrating with a penis or sex toy, so use plenty of lube and be gentle at first. In people with penises, anal orgasms can be linked to prostate stimulation. 

3. Vaginal orgasm  

These orgasms happen in response to penetrative intercourse without intentional G-spot or clitoral action. Stimulating the A-spot, an area on the anterior vaginal canal wall located just below the cervix, may also lead to vaginal orgasms. A-spot orgasms feel deep and intense, but this pleasure zone can be hard to hit without a sex toy. Try different speeds and types of penetration to get there. 

4. G-spot orgasm  

When appropriately stimulated, the G-spot produces deep, full-body orgasms, achievable through fingers, a penis, or specialized sex toys. The sensation feels different than a clitoral orgasm for many people, and whether or not the G-spot even truly exists is still up for debate. So, where is the G-spot? You'll find it on the front wall of the vagina. Have your partner angle their penis toward that area or use a "come hither" motion with your fingers. 

5. Nipple orgasm 

Nipple orgasms are elusive but surprisingly powerful. From licking and sucking to gentle biting and fun accessories like nipple clamps, you can reach orgasm with the right technique and practice. And even if you don’t hit the finish line, nipple stimulation has been shown to increase sexual arousal in 82% of women and 52% of men, so it’s fun either way.

6. Blended orgasm 

A blended orgasm happens when you stimulate two or more erogenous zones at once, like the clitoris and vagina or G-spot. To try it out for yourself, pleasure your G-spot with a vibrator while rubbing your clitoris. Speed up or slow down — whatever works for you. Some say these orgasms are earth-shattering.

7. Cervical orgasm

The cervix, also called the C-spot, can help you come. These deep, intense orgasms happen when a sex toy or penis rubs up against the cervix (which is at the top of your vagina) during deep penetration. 

Interestingly, cervical orgasms aren't a direct result of cervix stimulation. Scientists think they happen partially from indirect clitoral stimulation through the vaginal walls. To have one, experiment with very deep penetration carefully and slowly alone or with a partner you trust. Cervical stimulation can be intense.

8. Multiple orgasms 

Many people with vaginas have short refractory periods, meaning they can orgasm in close succession. This happens when continued stimulation leads to additional O's after the first (bonus points if you don't even see them coming). To make multiple orgasms more likely, try fully relaxing with different types of foreplay, doing Kegel exercises, and practicing edging. 

3 types of non-sexual orgasms 

Believe it or not, orgasms aren't exclusive to sexual activity. Because orgasms are multifaceted physiological responses, they can and do occur in non-sexual contexts. While it's certainly unique and relatively uncommon, orgasms from exercise and sleep encourage a broader look at what your body’s capable of. 

Here are a few types of non-sexual orgasms: 

1. Sleep orgasms 

Climaxing during sleep is totally normal. Also called a nocturnal orgasm or wet dream, studies have difficulty pinpointing whether this release is due to erotic dreams, self-stimulation during sleep, or stimulation from tight bedding. While you might associate wet dreams with horny teenagers, people of all ages and genders have them. If you're interested in having a sleep orgasm, try learning how to have a sex dream first.

2. Coregasms 

A coregasm happens during exercise (hence the name). This type of orgasm is particularly common during movements engaging core abdominal muscles, like crunches, hanging leg raises, and boat poses, which can stimulate pelvic floor muscles and lead to an orgasm.  

Surprisingly common, some people describe exercise-induced as feeling similar to clitoral orgasms but shorter, stronger, and without muscle contractions. To have one, remember to tuck your belly button in during your core workout, and try to focus your energy on the muscles in your lower abdomen. 

3. Imagery-induced orgasms 

Mental imagery and fantasies are all it takes for some people with vaginas to achieve orgasm. These climaxes, called imagery-induced orgasms, occur without any physical touch or genital stimulation at all. 

This phenomenon is an impressive testament to the brain's decisive role in sexual arousal and response. To try it out, work on developing richer sexual fantasies and take note of what happens to your body when you play them out in your mind. 

Find what feels good with Quinn  

While many people with vaginas find clitoral orgasms easy to achieve, sexual experiences vary. At the end of the day, your path to sexual pleasure and orgasm is as unique as your body, personal preferences, kinks, and fetishes. 

If you need help achieving new types of orgasms, Quinn's audio erotica might inspire you. A fun, imaginative way to explore your sexuality, Quinn's ethical porn encompasses a wide range of categories and is feminist and women-friendly.  

Quinn is created by women, for everyone. To enjoy thousands of narrated sex stories, guided masturbation sessions, playlists, and more, download Quinn for iOS or Android.