How do I know if I have orgasmed?

Orgasms are often made out to be this mystical, wonderful thing we should all strive for during sex or masturbation. Society has sold us the idea that orgasms are the end goal, and that if you have never orgasmed or if you struggle to, you must be broken. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Orgasms don’t need to be the focus of sex. Instead, you should focus on pleasure. And funnily enough, when the goal shifts to pleasure rather than performance, orgasms often happen more easily. You are not broken if you don’t orgasm during sex. There can be a hundred different reasons why you didn’t, and if this causes you distress, it may be beneficial to see a sex therapist (like myself).

How Do You Know If You’ve Orgasmed?

To answer this, we first need to unpack what an orgasm actually is. Typically, orgasms happen at the peak of sexual arousal. As sexual tension builds, it reaches a tipping point before releasing in the body and genitals. This release is often accompanied by rhythmic contractions in the pelvic floor muscles. You may feel vaginal or anal contractions. The orgasm may be experienced only in the genitals or radiate throughout the whole body. It’s important to note that even in science, there is no single universal definition of orgasm. The experience varies widely from person to person. This can be frustrating for people with vulvas who are trying to work out if they have had one. You often hear the phrase “when it happens, you’ll just know”, but if you don’t, that can feel disheartening. For some vulva owners, orgasms are crystal clear. The release of sexual tension feels unlike anything else. For others, it’s trickier to identify.

Physical Signs of Orgasm

• Heart rate: Your heartbeat typically speeds up as you get closer.

• Breathing: Breathing becomes faster and shallower.

• Nipples and genitals: Nipples often harden when aroused, and genitals become engorged with blood. For vulva owners, the vulva may swell and change colour.

• Skin changes: Your face, neck, and chest may flush. After orgasm, your genitals often become extra sensitive.

• Sensitivity: For vulva owners, the clitoris may be too sensitive to touch for a few minutes. Some people also feel a sensation like they’re about to urinate. If you follow that feeling, it may lead to orgasm or to squirting. (Yes, squirting can feel amazing.) It’s worth noting that squirting and orgasms are not necessarily the same thing. You can squirt without orgasming, and orgasm without squirting. I’ll cover squirting in a dedicated blog post soon.

• Urination: Another sign is needing to pee but being unable to right after orgasm. This happens because climax releases vasopressin, a hormone that temporarily reduces how much water passes into urine.
  

Emotional and Chemical Shifts

Checking in with how you feel can also help. After orgasm, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. These can create feelings of relaxation, euphoria, closeness, or sleepiness. Ask yourself:

• Do I feel relaxed or sexually “done”?

• Do I feel satisfied? (For some, one orgasm is enough. For others, it sparks the desire for more.)

• Do I feel closer to my partner(s) if I’m having partnered sex?

• Do I feel connected to my body?

  
  

Orgasms and Penises

If you have a penis, you might assume orgasm always means ejaculation. But they aren’t the same thing. You can orgasm without ejaculating, and you can ejaculate without orgasming. That said, the two usually happen so closely together that they feel like one event.

The Takeaway

Orgasms are unique to each person, and they can even feel different every time. Sometimes they’re like a small “sneeze” of release, and other times they’re a full-body, out-of-this-world experience. The most important thing to remember is this: orgasms are not the measure of good sex. Pleasure, connection, fun and curiosity matter far more. Pleasure is the measure.