Come Again?

From what constitutes an orgasm to how to have more of them, Simran Ahuja brings you all you need to know about the Big O

- Simran Ahuja

Ah, orgasms. The elusive cherry that tops the cake of sex. Try searching for this word in a biology textbook and you’ll notice that it’s harder than a game of Where’s Waldo? Orgasms are a big, giant mystery, especially when it comes to women (see what we did there?).

There’s a lot out there on orgasms—how often women are climaxing, how they prefer getting there, the time it takes them to get there, the list goes on. Undoubtedly, orgasms enhance sexual experiences, but they aren’t the be-all and end-all of sex. If you have questions about orgasms, sit back and relax because we have answers.

What is the Big O?

Scientifically speaking,orgasms are a phase of the sexual response cycle. Dr Maitri Chand, a family therapist and former professor of sexual therapy and sexual dysfunction at Mercer University Medical School, USA, breaks it down. “The first phase of the sexual response cycle is sexual desire, which is followed by sexual arousal. Orgasms are the third phase. The fourth and final phase is called resolution, whereby all bodily functions return to normal. For example, your breathing, heart rate, muscle tension, skin sensitivity, etc.” Simply put, an orgasm is the pinnacle of sexual pleasure, the climax as we know it. Think of it as that feeling of needing to sneeze all day and the subsequent satisfaction of finally doing so. Sweet, sweet release. The common misconception, however, is that an orgasm is the end goal of sex. The truth is, climaxing is just a by-product of the act! Yes, ladies, you heard that right. Sex can be good with or without the big O.

What does an orgasm feel like?