Orgasms - What and How to Have an Orgasm

"Orgasm - The Faces of Ecstasy" - trains a camera lens on the faces of 22 women and men at the moment of orgasm.

Science defines orgasm as the involuntary muscle spasms that come with the release of sexual tension. This stark definition does not even hint at the variety of orgasmic experiences available to the willing pleasure seeker.

Orgasms range in intensity from a sweet ripple of pleasure around the genitals to a roaring, curling wave of energy through the entire body. The experience of orgasm varies considerably from individual to individual, but for most of us, the orgasm is a defining part of our sexual experience.

Some women have trouble achieving orgasm, either in partner sex, or even in masturbation. If you have never had an orgasm, or want to experience stronger orgasms, here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Get to know your genitals! Get out a mirror and start exploring.
• Masturbate. It teaches you how you like to be touched and what feels good.
• Get turned on! Explore your erotic mind by reading sexy fiction, watching explicit movies or writing a fantasy of your own.
• Touch your clitoris with your fingers. Experiment with different strokes or rhythms.
• Add a vibrator. A lot of women find that a vibrator provides enough strong clit stimulation and unlike a hand, won't cramp up right before climax!
• Tease yourself. When you hit a plateau of sexual tension, back away from it, breathe deeply, then start again. The sexual energy can build in cycles, each more intense than the last.

Learn more in How to Have an Orgasm, or check out our collection of vibrators.