AKA:
Climax, coming, the big O, the peak of sexual pleasure.
What is it?
An orgasm is a peak of pleasurable sensation. Sexual tension builds up when we get aroused (turned on). The tension is released during an orgasm, when the muscles in and around the vagina rhythmically contract.
No two orgasms are exactly the same. They differ between people and from one time to the next.
Plus there's loads of fun to be had without one - they're not essential for sexual satisfaction. So don't beat yourself up struggling to get there.
Many people experience their first (and then their best) orgasms through masturbation.
What about boys?
When boys have an orgasm they usually ejaculate sperm (see the factfile for more) but the pleasurable feelings are very similar.
Boys usually find it easier to come during sex than girls, who often need to have their clitoris stimulated in order to reach orgasm.
Do girls ejaculate?
Most women find they suddenly get wetter during an orgasm.
A few even feel a gush of fluid from their vagina. The jury's out as to the contents of the fluid. For some, it is probably a spurt of wee.
For others, it is vaginal secretions that have built up in the vagina and then get squeezed out by the muscular contractions of an orgasm.
Most women don't noticeably ejaculate in this way - though sex is a messy squelchy business for everyone.
What are multiple orgasms?
A multiple orgasm is when someone comes more than once in a short time. It can mean having one orgasm immediately after another, or after a quick break.
It's more common for girls to experience multiple orgasms than boys, as boys' bodies usually take longer to recover enough for a second orgasm.
Further help and advice
bbc.co.uk/health/sex
scarleteen.com/sexuality
REMEMBER: Sex under 16 is illegal
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
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Freya, 17
When I first had sex with my boyfriend, he asked if I had come (orgasmed), but I don't know! I didn't feel (or remember feeling) anything hugely noticeable, although overall it felt really good, but quite different to when I masturbate :s
harriet, 16
my boyfriend asked me how to tell if i'd had an orgasm whilst we'd been having sex. I said no because I hadn't and i didnt want to lie, but he said he'd felt crap, and I just explained that an orgasm isnt essential at all, however nice it is. i told him that it was going to take him time to find out what gets me going. it made him feel a lot better and i felt relieved that he wasnt putting himself under pressure any more!now we're a lot more at ease with each other!
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