How Does an Orgasm Happen?

Stimulation

With very few exceptions, orgasms are the result of stimulation of a sexual organ or an erogenous zone. In sexual terms, stimulation is an action--usually touch--that creates a feeling of pleasure and excitement. Orgasms are most commonly achieved after prolonged stimulation of the penis in a man and of the clitoris in a woman. However, it is possible to achieve orgasm through stimulation of other parts of the body.

Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman stimulates both the penis and the vagina and can result in an orgasm for both partners. It is not uncommon, however, for a woman to need additional stimulation of the clitoris to achieve climax.

As the sexual organ or erogenous zone is stimulated, the rest of the body begins to respond--a reaction known as arousal. An aroused person may begin to breath heavily, their muscles may begin to grow tense and their heart rate may increase. This rise in heart rate causes blood flow to increase throughout the body. As the blood rushes to the penis or clitoris, it becomes trapped and causes an erection.

Though erection is typically associated with the male penis, women also experience erections of the clitoris as well as engorgement of the vaginal area. Clitoral erections are not as obvious as penile erections but are also physiological responses to arousal. Just before orgasm, however, the clitoris will retract once again.

The state of arousal may start out mild but grow in intensity as stimulation continues. The more aroused a person grows, the closer to orgasm they become.

As a person reaches a heightened state of arousal, his or her body begins sending impulses to the brain. These impulses alert the brain that arousal has reached its peak and that a release is necessary. The brain then puts the nervous system into action.

The nervous system causes the muscles of the genital area--and often of the body as a whole--to contract or spasm. In males, these spasms are usually accompanied by ejaculation, which is merely a reflexive action. Generally speaking, women do not ejaculate, though some women reportedly emit fluid from the urethra. Women do, however, typically experience a pronounced increase in vaginal secretions during orgasm.

Immediately following orgasm, nearly all men and most women experience a time of recovery which is called a refractory period. During this period it is impossible to achieve another orgasm. The refractory period can last anywhere from a few minutes to a day or more.