Hi friends! Let’s talk about clitoral orgasms because they count! There is often the misconception that clitoral orgasms don’t count, but the fact is that for many individuals, having a penis or toy inside a vagina does not cause an orgasm. Most people need clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm.
Let’s talk about what the clitoris is. The glans clitoris is a complex network of nerves and erectile tissue that assist in sexual function. Many times we think of the clitoris as a small point since this is what we can see from the outside. However, the clitoris has two large branches on the inside that form an upside down V shape. Adequate stimulation of the clitoris often results in an orgasm.
Orgasms are great for the pelvic floor muscle for most people! Orgasms are like a car wash for the pelvic floor—they improve circulation to the pelvic floor muscles and organs. Better circulation means new, fresh blood with lots of nutrients are brought to the area while old blood and by products are taken away.
During an orgasm, the pelvic floor muscles rhythmically contract which can help to strengthen these muscles and may even decrease cramping. Below are some of the many benefits of orgasms.
5 Tips for Clitoral Orgasms
#1 Healthy pelvic floor muscles help to increase pleasure.
If the pelvic floor muscles are underactive and don’t have good tone/tension that may affect the ability to have orgasms as well as the strength of orgasms. Remember, the pelvic floor muscles squeeze and contract during an orgasm and they need to have the strength to be able to do so! Pelvic floor muscles that are tight can reduce sexual stimulation by causing pain, reduced sensitivity , or hypersensitivity. This can make it harder to achieve orgasm and some individuals can experience pain afterwards. It’s important to see a pelvic floor therapist to help you address any issues with the pelvic floor muscles (and surrounding muscles).
#2 Direct clitoral stimulation is too much for most people at the beginning. The clitoris has
so many nerve endings in the area which can cause it to be very sensitive to touch. Starting to the sides of the clitoris can be a great place to warm-up until it can tolerate direct stimulation. A gentle vulvar/labia massage often feels great!
#3 Tools can be fun and helpful.
There are so many different things that can be used to help stimulate the entire glans clitoris. A feather, fingers, air, lips, and gentle vibration are some great places to start.
#4 Mental stimulation is key (it’s not just a physical game).
There are so many reasons why you may not feel up to sexy time, and that’s okay. However, if any of these persist, please see your healthcare provider to explore potential causes and options further. There IS hope and help!
#5 Learn your body.
Knowing your body and what feels good to you can help you teach your partner. Good communication can be instrumental in achieving orgasm.
If you’re having any issues with orgasms, see a pelvic floor physical therapist. You can find one at www.mypfm.com/find-a-pt. A pelvic floor therapist can help with other issues of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction as well, including, urinary leakage, constipation, anal leakage, and pelvic pain.
To learn more about your pelvic floor muscles, check out these great resources:
Watch our YouTube playlist on Female Sexual Dysfunction and Your Pelvic Floor
Watch Netflix for Your Pelvic Floor at Pelvic Flicks
Learn more about your pelvic floor on our Instagram
Visit our Amazon store for our favorite pelvic health products
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For providers, join our Ambassador Program and most of our CEU courses are included with your membership!
Written by Emily Reul, PT, DPT