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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Duke chapter.

Ladies (and gentleman), I have decided it is time to address one of the greatest mysteries in the sack – the female orgasm. Ladies, if you’re confused about how to get there or what it is that can make it happen, don’t worry. The men are even more confused.

First off, only 25% of women always climax during sex with a partner. The rest of the female population just “gets close” or never climaxes at all during intercourse. On the other hand, 90% of men, yes 90, climax every time they have intercourse…seriously? So let’s start by breaking it down. When a woman reaches her climax, all the tension that has built up throughout her body during stimulation is released, creating that earth-shattering feeling we strive for.

Now ladies, we may not be able to reach that chill-worthy bliss every time, but we can reach it in more ways than one. There are many theories about exactly how many types of orgasms there are, but for our purposes I’m going to tell you about the two main types of orgasms along with some fun, orgasmic tips.

#1: Clitoral

Researchers have not found any function for the clitoris except for sheer sexual pleasure. That’s probably why clitoral stimulation is the easiest way for most women to get off, and most women prefer clitoral stimulation to penetration. Have him use his fingers, tongue, or just rub against you, and you can reach a clitoral orgasm. If you’re still new to the orgasm game, it’s important to make sure you find the rhythm and consistency that will get you there. If you need some tips I suggest you read my last article…you need to know how to get yourself off before you can really teach a guy how to get you there.

#2: Vaginal

Within the vagina is the notorious G-spot (argue all you want, it exists). It’s located within the vagina against the front wall (towards your belly button). Men have the disadvantage of only being able to orgasm once before having to rest. Women on the other hand are believed to be capable of experiencing three different paces of orgasms.

The single orgasm is when you experience one rush of overwhelming pleasure, which can last up to a minute or so. The serial multiple orgasm is multiple orgasms in a row (can’t say I’ve ever experienced this one but props to those who have). Finally, there is the sequential multiple orgasm, where ladies experience orgasms separated by a few minutes.

 

What’s Stopping You?

A lot of women claim they just can’t do it. I beg to differ. It’s just a matter of getting yourself mentally and physically ready for the big O. There are a number of major factors that keep women from reaching climax:

Not enough clitoral stimulation – Vaginal stimulation is not easy! If you’re having trouble reaching your climax try having him play around with different types of clitoral stimulation (fingers, tongue, toys…)

Self-consciousness – You need to relax to climax! If you’re too worried about what your partner is thinking or what you have to do tomorrow, there is no way you are even going to get close to orgasming. Think dirty thoughts. Think about what he’s doing to you, or don’t think at all! Enjoying the sensations and focusing on the task at hand is definitely an important start.

Skipping the Foreplay – Foreplay is an ESSENTIAL part of a girl’s sexual journey to that carnal pleasure. We need to be in the mood! Kissing, touching, heavy petting, and everything leading up to actual intercourse is your warm up. Without it, you’re body isn’t physically ready to orgasm.

Fun Facts

Now for the fun part. There are a few sexual tricks ladies have that men do not. Did you know…

The nipple orgasm DOES exist – According to Dr. Herbert Otto, author of The Big O, the nipple orgasm is actually the second most common type of orgasm that women experience. I’m not sure if that’s true in my own sexual track record, but I will tell you it feels amazing. Just like the clitoral orgasm, your partner can use manual and oral stimulation in a constant rhythm to get you to your climax.

The sexually adventurous DO have more fun – Women who get a little kinky in the bedroom actually have more orgasms. According to Dr. Herbenick, “It is significantly easier for women to experience orgasms when they engage in a variety of sex acts.” So mix it up! Tell him to go down on you while fingering you, or have him manually stimulate your clit while you’re having sex.

Women can get off without any physical stimulation – The majority of the female orgasm is mental, and as Lady Gaga shared in New York Magazine, it is possible to just think yourself to an orgasm. According to Dr. Barry Komisaruk, one of the authors of The Science of Orgasm, the images of the brain show that the “pleasure centers of the brain associated with orgasm light up in women who think themselves to orgasm in exactly the same way as in women who orgasm through more conventional means.”

So there it is, the orgasm in all its glory. I know you all can get there, and hopefully you now know enough about the different types so you can find the best way to reach that big mOment of immense pleasure.

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Sabrina is a Junior at Duke University, and is double majoring in English and Public Policy. A born and bred South African, Sabrina has traveled to the USA to pursue her higher education. As well as being a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, Sabrina is also Assistant Vice President for Recruitment for the Panhellenic Association at Duke. Sabrina has written for Duke's daily newspaper, The Chronicle and Duke's fashion magazine, FORM. After graduating, she hopes to attend law school preferably in her favourite city, New York. In her spare time, Sabrina vegges out to various fashion blogs, mindless TV (Pretty Little Liars anyone?) and online shopping (which borders on an addiction). If you manage to catch her in an energetic mood, she's probably on her way to cardiodance (or to the nearest mall).