While some may argue that male orgasms are pretty straight forward, quite the opposite can be said about women getting off.
As glorious as vaginas are, things can get pretty complex in the bedroom when it comes to figuring out what exactly will make a woman reach her peak. Is it clitoral stimulation, vaginal penetration, a combination of both, or will it take something extra to get to the big "O"? (Science says there are multiple ways women can achieve orgasm.)
But that doesn't mean you can't have a bit of fun, either on your own or with a partner, trying to figure it all out.
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9 Things You Should Know About Orgasms
It's Less Common In Women(01 of09)
Sex therapist Vanessa Marin says a lack of orgasms is much more common in women than in men. "I think this comes down to masturbation,” she says. "It's more acceptable for boys to masturbate than girls. So as a result, there are more men who have had experience with learning what they like. They understand what their bodies need. Most women don't have that same level of familiarity with their bodies.” Add this to the fact that a lot of women are socialized to think that our genitals are somehow "weird or gross," and the result is that many women simply haven’t spent the time figuring out what helps them orgasm. (credit:Wisky via Getty Images)
Start Out(02 of09)
If you’re having trouble reaching an orgasm, whether solo or with a partner, some quality time with yourself is the way forward, Marin says. "I wholeheartedly believe that the best way to learn how to orgasm is on your own,” she says. "In a funny way, it's sort of like that old saying 'you can't love anyone else until you can love yourself'! Masturbation is the key to learning how to orgasm." (credit:mocker_bat via Getty Images)
It's Not Just The Physical(03 of09)
Working with a sex therapist can help you uncover the mental barriers standing between you and an orgasm. "When I coach clients, we spend a good deal of time trying to uncover and understand their mental blockages,” Marin says. "There are lots of dynamics that could be at play, including internalized shame, poor body image, feeling unsafe [usually because there's been a history of sexual abuse], fear of the unknown, or fear of losing control." (credit:monkeybusinessimages via Getty Images)
Think About Your Past(04 of09)
If you aren’t having the results you’d like from sex today, think about what sex has meant as a part of your life through the years. Marin suggests some starting questions: "What were you taught about sex, your body, and masturbation growing up? Have you had any experiences that might make you feel unsafe? What's your general relationship with your body like? Are you able to feel present and comfortable in your own skin? Do you have any fears about orgasm?” Examining these and other areas can help you figure out how your past history with sex is affecting you today. (credit:Medioimages/Photodisc via Getty Images)
Rule Out Other Factors(05 of09)
There are some physical factors that could affect your ability to orgasm. Marin says the one she sees most often is antidepressant use. "Researchers don't fully understand the connection between antidepressants and orgasm, but many people report that it's more difficult or even impossible for them to orgasm while on antidepressants,” she says. Other factors like spinal cord injuries can affect your ability to orgasm. But mitigating factors don’t mean you can’t orgasm, just that you may have a challenge to face that others do not. (credit:Mara Zemgaliete via Getty Images)
Bring In The Experts(06 of09)
If in-person therapy doesn’t work for you financially or logistically, there are still other ways to get help from those truly in the know about orgasm and sexuality. Marin recommends her own program of course, but one benefit of it and others like it is that it can be done at home. You can also seek out other online sex courses like Luscious Woman — a site that can help you discover new ways to climax. (credit:Sam Diephuis via Getty Images)
Pick Up A Book(07 of09)
There are also plenty of helpful books out that that can help you address the emotional aspects of sexuality, explain the science behind sex and orgasm, or give you helpful tips for working towards orgasm by yourself or with a partner. A few suggestions include Come As You Are by Emily Nagasaki, Oh Joy Sex Toy by Erica Moen, and Slow Sex by Nicole Daedone. (credit:Robert Manella via Getty Images)
Watch A Video(08 of09)
And of course, there’s always porn! Watching pornography is one way to explore what turns you on, and to get some idea of the breadth of what works for other people. And what’s out there now is a lot more varied than the stereotypical image many of us hold of pornography — so if that doesn’t do it for you, don’t write off adult entertainment entirely. Look for work by female directors like Nina Hartley, Erica Lust, Tristan Taormino, and Shine Louise Houston as a starting point. (credit:LuckyBusiness via Getty Images)
Visit A Sex Shop(09 of09)
Visiting a local adult store is a great way to find new ways to experiment. There are stores across the country with knowledgeable, non-judgmental staff who are truly passionate about their work and can make great recommendations, whatever you’re looking for. Check out Good For Her and Come As You Are in Toronto, Joy Toyz in Montreal, Womyns’ Ware in Vancouver, or Babeland online. (credit:Nik_Merkulov via Getty Images)