Orgasm 101

Whenever we take part in a sexual activity, there are many changes that occur in both our bodies and our minds. There are several stages that lead up to an orgasm and understanding each of those stages is often the key to having orgasms or better ones. The five stages of orgasm are: sexual desire/arousal collectively known as excitement, the plateau phase, orgasm and resolution. Each of these steps is unique and each leads to the next level, until we reach our journeys end: orgasm. So let's take a closer look at these steps in a little more detail and what they can mean to you.

Stage One - Excitement
When we are hungry we feel a powerful desire to eat and sexual desire is no different. When we say we are horny or in the mood what we are saying is we have an appetite for sex at that particular moment in time. Unlike hunger, our sexual desire or libido can be triggered by many things, something/one we see, a voice we hear, or a combination of events.

After desire we experience arousal. This is where our brain sends signals to various parts of our bodies that trigger physical changes and sensations within our bodies. This is the bodies way of getting us ready to participate in sexual activities. When we are sexually aroused we may experience, a change in the way we breath, a rise in our heart beat and blood pressure or a tingling sensation when touched. During this step, our muscles may also tense, and some people experience a sexual flush on their upper abdomen.

The excitement phase of the process can last anywhere from a few moments to several hours. Often called foreplay and extended sexual activity during this stage can sometimes make the other stages of the process more intense. Typically during the excitement stage:

• The blood flow to the genitals increases
• The clitoris swells
• The vagina begins to lubricate (get wet and slippery)
• Blood flow to a woman's breasts increases and her nipples may get hard
• Heart rate and blood pressure increase
• Breathing may speed up

Stage Two - Plateau
Many people experience this stage of the process as a general feeling of being on the edge. At this stage most peoples senses become heightened and the slightest stimulus feels pleasurable and causes our bodies to crave more sexual stimulation. If we continue to receive sexual stimulation, then the plateau stage can be reached, but it's also worth noting that this stage can be achieved, lost and regained without an orgasm.

Typically during the plateau stage:

Stage Three - Orgasm
This stage is also known as climax. Orgasm is the shortest of the our stages, generally measured in seconds. Often described as a release of all the pent up sexual energy created by the first two stages of this process, an orgasm can range greatly in intensity. For many the images of fireworks and the earth moving does not occur but the women may still experience orgasm.

Typically during the orgasm stage:

Some women may also release a clear fluid from their urethra just before or during orgasm. This is now commonly known as female ejaculation. It's worth noting here that it's estimated that around 20-30% experience this.

Stage Four - Resolution
This stage occurs after orgasm and allows our muscles to relax, blood pressure to drop and the body to slow down once more from it's heightened sexual state. Some women o not experience this stage and by continuing sexual stimulation are capable of returning to the plateau stage.

Typically during the resolution stage:

This process typically takes longer for women than men, although some women may be able to return to the plateau stage at this point.

So there you have a run down of the four stages of orgasm. Remember though, each of us is an individual and what works for one person at any stage may not work for another and only be experimenting will you discover what's right for you or your partner.

Have fun!

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