comScore
Your browser is not supported. We do our best to optimize our websites to the most current web browsers. Please try another browser.
ADVERTISEMENT

10 Common Myths About Orgasms You Probably Think are True

Man touching woman's check, cuddling together in their living room.

A satisfying sex life is a not-so-secret component of overall health and happiness outside of the bedroom. Although we’re always looking for ways to spice up our sex life, misinformation about orgasms often creates anxiety and doubt for even the most confident, sex-positive people. For this reason, we spoke with Shadeen Francis, a licensed marriage and family therapist that specializes in sex therapy, to help us debunk the most common myths about orgasms.

See also: OnlyFans reverses controversial porn ban.

A half naked couple kissing each other and cuddling.
Unsplash

Orgasm Myth: Edging leads to better orgasms

Edging is a move where you stimulate your partner to the point where they’re just about to climax – and then you stop, wait, and begin the process of building them up all over again. “This can either feel amazing or be incredibly frustrating,” Francis explains.

People who are fans of edging enjoy the feeling of that aroused sexual tension building in your body, which can sometimes be more pleasurable than a quick climax. On the other hand, this type of build-up can feel painful to others, Francis says. “Edging can be a really passionate act and help to slow things down and increase the duration of sex, which might lead to a more intense orgasm.”

See also: Ways to be more sexually confident, according to a sex health educator

Man swimming and submerged in water.
Unsplash

 

Orgasm Myth: Men have more intense orgasms

Have you ever wondered what a male orgasm feels like? No matter how it’s described by a partner or portrayed in the media, the way a person talks about what it’s like to achieve orgasm is extremely subjective, Francis explains. If you want to talk to your partner about the different types of orgasms you might be experiencing, you can use use words such as: relief, falling, waves or an avalanche.

See also: Sex sessions: unlearning and sex terms to know in 2021.

ADVERTISEMENT

A man and woman in bed, wearing clothes, cuddling and smiling.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: Sex toys affect your abilities to climax without one

Good news: there’s nothing to fear from the pleasure you’re receiving from your trusty sex toys. “Vibrators don’t cause long-term desensitization. However, it can cause nerve fatigue if you’re using a super high setting, but it’s temporary,” Francis says.

You might also like: Coming in 2021: new sex toys that will hit the spot

A man and woman kneeling in bed, staring at each other about to kiss.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: Squirting is a sign of incredible orgasm

This orgasm myth isn’t true. Squirting, a form of ejaculation, is when people with vulvas involuntary expel fluid from the urethra during sexual activities. “Many bodies can squirt,” Francis says, explaining that it happens when the urethral sponge, also known as the G-spot, is stimulated. “It’s not necessarily an orgasm, but some people have this experience with or without an orgasm.”

Related: Why masturbating regularly can improve female health.

 

Two men romantically smiling and laughing in bed together.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: Orgasms are a sign of “good” sex

Climaxing isn’t the only sign that your partner is enjoying being in bed with you. Although orgasming feels incredible, they’re not a mark of successful sexual experiences. There are countless other ways to get pleasure in bed that have nothing to do with the big O. It’s essential to keep in mind that sex should be about enjoying pleasure and bonding with your partner, not spent worrying about finishing.

See also: 10 Signs you’ve found the one

Two women wearing dresses, kissing on the lips in a kitchen while holding a bunch of kale.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: All women have a hard time reaching orgasm in bed

A 2014 survey by the Kinsey Institute found that lesbians are over 20 per cent more likely to orgasm in bed than heterosexual women. No matter who you’re having sex with, women who orgasm more frequently report receiving more oral sex, trying different positions and praising their partner for what they did in bed.

See also: The pros and cons of joining a threesome

ADVERTISEMENT

A man and woman kissing in front on a blank wall.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: People with vaginas need clitoral stimulation to orgasm

Although many people with clitorises love being touched during sex, there are many other ways to climax. The good news is that there are several different types of orgasms. This includes G-spot orgasms, nipple orgasms, blended orgasms and anal orgasms.  Moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to try something new.

Related: Sex Sessions: How to find (and explore) common erogenous zones.

A man with his hand on a woman's face, starring at each other and smiling in their living room.
Pexels

Orgasm Myth: Your partner is responsible for your orgasm

You know that phrase, “you don’t get what you don’t ask for?” The truth is, you’re likely not going to climax if you’re not openly communicating with your partner about what you like and what you want in bed. Not a fan of direct feedback? Moaning, back-arching, and lip biting are some non-verbal ways to let your partner know that you’re getting close.

See also: Sex Sessions: Goals for sex that aren’t orgasm.

A close up of two people holding hands
Unsplash

Orgasm Myth: It’s difficult to achieve orgasm

Every person is different, but achieving orgasm is not always easy as 1-2-3. Studies show 31 per cent of women reach orgasm through vaginal intercourse alone. Meanwhile, almost 60 per cent of women said they’re more likely to reach orgasm with with the addition of increasing pleasure with a hand, tongue or toy.

Related: 13 relationship myths everyone thinks are true.

A hand holding a banana, covered in lubricant
Unsplash

Orgasm Myth: Lube doesn’t effect your orgasm

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: personal lubricant makes almost every sex act better. From a trusty vibrator to extra-long sessions in bed, lube increases pleasure when masturbating, eliminating vaginal dryness and is an essential part of any anal play.

You may also like: 21 sex myths everyone thinks are true

ADVERTISEMENT



Latest News

ADVERTISEMENT
This content is restricted to adults of legal age.
Please enter your birthdate to confirm.
Date of Birth