SelfhelpMagazine

by Dr. Al Cooper and Dr. Coralie Scherer

People have wondered about women's orgasm forever - primarily because orgasms can differ from woman to woman, and also differ from day to day in the same woman. Scientific research into woman's organsms are a relatively new phenomenoon, however, and theose studies have fiound that a women's orgasmic pleasure can also vary from mild to intense. In all cases, though, when there is a real orgasm, there's a gradual build up of tension and release in a woman's orgasm.

Woman Orgasm: The Build Up Feels Like

1. Arousal 
2. Increased tension
3. The release of that tension
4. Culminating in orgasm

During orgasm the muscles of the vagina, anal region and uterus contract providing waves of pleasurable feeling. Some women groan or cry out expressing pleasure through sound during the release of the built up tension. It's not uncommon for some women to laugh or cry after orgasm.

If the contractions are mild or brief you might question if she really experienced an orgasm. Some texts cite only 4 to 6 contractions for young women which lessen in number with the aging process. Again, this can vary from woman to woman.

How You Can Help Your Partner With Her Orgasm

• Women can also help themselves have more intense orgasms if they imagine themselves breathing down into their genitals as they approach orgasm. The relaxation that results from full use of the breathing muscles combined with the build-up of tension in the genitals give a powerful combination effect that can signifcantly increase the power and duration of orgasm. Women can also teach their penetrating partners to slow down in order to allow the tension to mount so they'll have a stronger orgasm.
• They might also find it helpful to masturbate to orgasm so they'll learn what to expect as they approch and experience their orgasms. Most people, both men and woman report that they have stronger orgasms when they masturbate. Masterbating during penetration, then can increase orgasm intentity and duration as well.
• I recommend Lonnie Barbach's book, "For Ourselves", which gives instructions on how women can have a full woman orgasm.

About the Author:

Dr. Al Cooper, clinical director at the San Jose Marital and Sexuality Centre, ran the training program for Counseling and Psychological Services at Stanford University. Dr. Cooper is internationally known for his work in sexuality.

Dr. Coralie Scherer coordinates online services for the Centre and specializes in sexual trauma, women's issues, and marital therapy.