The female orgasm: Your questions answered

Is a female orgasm different from a male orgasm? Is female ejaculation real? Why do some people find it hard to have an orgasm? Knowing more about female orgasm can result in better sex – and better orgasms. Here’s what you need to know.

How is a female orgasm different from a male orgasm?

Are there different types of female orgasm?

How long does it take to have an orgasm?

Why are some people unable to have an orgasm?

Does the G-spot exist?

Is female ejaculation real?

Key points



## How is a female orgasm different from a male orgasm?

Just as with a male orgasm, a female orgasm is an intense, pleasurable release of sexual tension that happens due to [sexual arousal](/womens-sexual-health/sexual-arousal-in-women) – usually during sexual intercourse, oral sex or [masturbation](/healthy-sex-life/masturbation). 

The difference between male and female orgasm mostly comes down to the physical differences in how an orgasm is reached for people with a penis versus a vagina.

One key difference seems to be that the female body can have more than one orgasm in quick succession, as long as sexual arousal or stimulation is maintained. 

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## Are there different types of female orgasm?

There are 2 widely recognised types of female orgasm: 

- __clitoral orgasm__ – reached through stimulation of the clitoris, the small protrusion or bump above the entrance to the vagina 
- __vaginal orgasm__ – reached through stimulation of the vaginal walls, usually by penetration either with a penis, sex toys or fingers

It’s also possible to have an orgasm from anal sex or stimulation, or to have a combination of a clitoral and vaginal orgasm. 


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## How long does it take to have an orgasm?

Everyone’s different – there’s no set amount of time involved in reaching a female orgasm. 

![White bedsheets and pillow cases on unmade bed](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/2jXXSRey5wIzIz3wleapEI/e2ff96ddd80a016f7a0074a57d0de1bd/Messy_bed.jpg)


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## Why are some people unable to have an orgasm?

Perhaps you’ve never had an orgasm, or maybe you now find yourself unable to have an orgasm after being able to before. 

This can happen for a number of reasons, including:

- not being aroused enough during sexual activity or having anxiety about sexual performance 
- physical disorders, like damage to nerve endings or abnormalities in genital organs
- mental health conditions, like [depression](/depression)
- conditions like thyroid disorders and [diabetes]
- excessive alcohol or recreational drug use 
- some medication, like antidepressants
- [menopause](https://www.livehealthily.com/guides/menopause), which can cause vaginal dryness and lower libido 
- conditions like [vaginismus](/womens-sexual-problems/vaginismus), that cause pain
- [female genital mutilation](/sexual-abuse-assault/female-genital-mutilation) 

Try experimenting with different ways of becoming aroused or speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about not being able to have an orgasm – if the issue is more psychological than physical, your doctor may refer you to a sex therapist. 

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## Does the G-spot exist?

There’s a lot of debate around whether the G-spot exists – and its exact location. It’s believed to be found near the front of the vagina, along the upper vaginal wall. You or your partner can try finding your G-spot by inserting a finger into your vagina and making a ‘come hither’ movement with your finger – you’ve hit the spot if it feels particularly sensitive. 

## Is female ejaculation real?
![Hand squeezing juice out of a lemon to show female ejaculation](//images.ctfassets.net/iqo3fk8od6t9/6D8gU0E6gu3hE0TedcjBUO/c191dbaaacef61964eba5c9b2cce1e1a/Squeezing_lemon.jpg)
It’s rare, but female ejaculation – sometimes called ‘squirting’ can happen for some people. It happens when milky fluid is pushed out from glands around the urethral opening (where pee comes out) during orgasm. Some believe the fluid released is mostly pee, while others believe it has more in common with male semen. 

## Key points

- unlike male bodies, the female body is capable of having multiple orgasms 
- female orgasm can be reached through clitoral, vaginal and sometimes anal stimulation
- speak to your doctor if you’re worried about not being able to have an orgasm
- the jury is out on the existence and location of the G-spot 
- female ejaculation is rare, but does happen


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References

Daniel Piggott

Lee-Anne Spurdens

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Article information

All of Healthily's articles undergo medical safety checks to verify that the information is medically safe. View more details in our <a href="/safety" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">safety page</a>, or read our <a href="/legal/editorial-policy-principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">editorial policy</a>.

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