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While many people use the words interchangeably, some believe they have different definitions. By these definitions, an orgasm is the buildup of pleasure just before a climax, while a climax is the peak of the orgasm, when the sexual pleasure is the most intense. Most scientific researchers consider orgasm and climax to be the same thing. However, some people consider them to have two different definitions. This article will look into the possible differences between climax and orgasm and tips on achieving orgasm. What is a climax Share on PinterestSaptak Ganguly/StocksySome people consider climax to be the feeling of intense pleasure a person feels at the peak of an orgasm. Other individuals consider climax and orgasm to be the same thing. During climax, a person’s pelvic floor muscles contract repeatedly. Some people can climax multiple times during sexual activity, while others may climax once or not at all. It can be typical for a person not to climax. However, they can speak with a healthcare professional if they have concerns about this. There are various ways someone can achieve climax, such as through:vaginal sexoral sexanal sexmasturbationstimulation of erogenous zones, such as the nipples However, everyone is different, and things that cause one person to climax may not work for another. What is an orgasm Certain people believe that an orgasm is the buildup of pleasure that occurs before a climax. Others consider orgasm to refer to the entire experience of sexual buildup and climax. It is possible for a person to extend the time that they experience orgasm. This is known as edging. Some people believe that edging can lead to a more intense climax. The International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) describes edging in the following steps:A person reaches the brink of achieving climax.They then reduce stimulation, meaning they do not reach climax.The individual then brings themselves back to the edge of climax. They may then allow themselves to climax or reduce stimulation again. This cycle may repeat multiple times. Can a person experience one without the other Going by their separate definitions, an individual can achieve orgasm without climax. Research from 2016 notes that, during sex, over 90% of men achieve climax. Additionally, around 50% of women climax during sex. A person may find that they experience orgasm during sexual activity, but they do not reach climax. This can be enough for some people but frustrating for others. If a person has concerns about being unable to climax, they can consult a healthcare professional. What are the signs of climax According to the advocacy group Planned Parenthood, when a person climaxes, they may feel a wave of pleasure that starts in their genitals and travels through their body. Some people may experience climax more intensely than others. When someone climaxes, their heart rate and breathing levels increase. During climax, people may experience vaginal spasms and contractions of the uterus. This can accompany vaginal secretions. And while female ejaculation can also occur, this is typical, and the fluid is not urine. Typically, the penis ejaculates. However, it is possible to climax without ejaculating, which is known as dry ejaculation. The ISSM notes that dry ejaculation is usually nothing to worry about. If a person has climaxed several times in one day, it is possible for them to run out of sperm. Dry ejaculation can also occur due to certain drugs or surgery. If a person has concerns about dry ejaculation, they can discuss this with a healthcare professional. Following climax, a person may feel sleepy, happy, or relaxed. An individual’s clitoris or glans, the head of the penis, may be sensitive right after climaxing. Flushing of the chest, neck, and face can also occur. What are the signs of orgasm In the buildup to a climax, a person may experience feelings of increasing pleasure. This feeling may build gradually or occur suddenly. When someone starts to orgasm, they may feel a buildup of tension. They may also feel their toes curl or their hands clench. As a person orgasms, they may achieve climax or experience a dip in pleasure levels. If this occurs, they may require a change in stimulation. This can involve increasing speed, slowing down, or changing positions. Signs of experiencing both It is possible for a person to orgasm and climax together. They may feel an intense wave of pleasure following the buildup of an orgasm. This wave is the climax of the orgasm. A climax is usually more intense and pleasurable than an orgasm. However, this can depend on certain factors, such as:how aroused a person ishow long it has been since they last climaxedhow much lubrication there istheir connection to other people involvedthe type of sexual positionthe type of sexual activitywhether they continue stimulation until the completion of the climax After climaxing, a person may find that their genitals are too sensitive to continue sexual activity. However, some people can continue after climaxing and possibly achieve multiple climaxes. Information from the ISSM suggests that around 15% of women can have multiple climaxes. Is it necessary to always experience both It is not always necessary for a person to experience both climax and orgasm. Sexual satisfaction can be different for everyone. A person may enjoy the feeling of being intimate with their partner without needing to climax or orgasm. For other people, orgasms may result in climax. Alternatively, a person may find their pleasure levels drop without climax. Someone may also find that they do not experience climax at all. This is known as anorgasmia. Anorgasmia can occur due to:stressperformance anxietyrelationship problemspast trauma or abusenegative sexual attitudessexual inexperiencesexual guiltinadequate settingmedicationsdiabeteshigh blood pressure People may also find that they cannot climax without clitoral stimulation. This can be difficult to achieve during penetrative sex. Tips to achieve orgasm and climax The following tips derive from the definition of an orgasm as the climax of a sexual activity. There are certain ways a person can help improve their chances of orgasming, such as:reducing stress levels, if possiblespending time discovering what feels arousingexperimenting with different sexual activitiesmaintaining a healthy lifestyletalking with their partner about how they are feeling and what they might enjoy during sexconsulting a healthcare professional or therapist about any issues that may prevent orgasmingstimulating the clitoris during penetrative sexengaging in foreplaydelaying orgasm using edgingusing lubricationtrying toys or masturbation to discover what feels good Everyone has different sexual desires, so what works for one person may not work for another. Individuals should take things at their own pace and find what works for them. Summary Many researchers define orgasm and climax as the same thing. However, some people believe that they have separate definitions. By these definitions, an orgasm is an increase in pleasure before a climax, while a climax is the peak of pleasure during sexual activity. A person may feel a variety of different sensations during orgasm and climax. Once they have climaxed, they may feel sleepy and relaxed. It is not essential for individuals to climax or orgasm during sexual activity. Some people may enjoy being intimate without climaxing. However, others may feel frustrated if they do not climax. There are certain ways a person can help improve their chances of orgasm. If someone has concerns about not being able to climax, they can speak with a healthcare professional. Last medically reviewed on May 12, 2022Sexual Health / STDs 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.How do I ejaculate faster? (2020).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/ask-experts/how-do-i-ejaculate-fasterKontula, O., et al. (2016). Determinants of female sexual orgasms.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5087699/Lodé, T. (2019). A brief natural history of the orgasm.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21553769.2019.1664642McKenna, K. E. (2021). What is the trigger for sexual climax [Abstract]?https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-021-02164-9Orgasm. (n.d.).https://dictionary.apa.org/orgasmOrgasms. (n.d.).https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/sex-pleasure-and-sexual-dysfunction/sex-and-pleasure/orgasmsWhat are multiple orgasms? How common are they? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-are-multiple-orgasms-how-common-are-they?highlight=WyJjbGltYXgiXQ==What is a dry orgasm? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-a-dry-orgasm?highlight=WyJjbGltYXgiXQ==What is anorgasmia (a.k.a. orgasmic disorder)? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-anorgasmia-a-k-a-orgasmic-disorder?highlight=WyJubyIsIidubyIsIm9yZ2FzbSIsIm9yZ2FzbSdzIiwibm8gb3JnYXNtIl0=What is "edging" and why might it be employed? (n.d.).https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-is-edging-and-why-might-it-be-employed/FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Anna Smith on May 12, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? 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