Despite the lore around them, multiple orgasms are not a thing of legend. They are totally real and very possible to have. In fact, everyone with a clitoris can have them.
This is all due to a little thing known as the refractory period in sex—or, rather, its absence. “A refractory period is a period of time after orgasm during which the body cannot respond to additional stimulation,” explains Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, and author of Becoming Cliterate. “Sexually, it is the period of time in which a person cannot have another orgasm.”
You know what’s great? Vulva-owners don’t experience a refractory period the way that penis-owners do. Mintz says that while penises typically lose arousal after ejaculation, the clitoris does not. It can reach orgasm, stay aroused, and then reach orgasm again. Why yes, having a clit *is* pretty freaking cool!
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Another cool thing about it? The clitoris has long been touted as the *only* organ whose sole function is pleasure. This means we can (and should!) have as much of it—and as many orgasms—as we want. Now, not everyone with a clit necessarily experiences multiple orgasms—because, hi, everyone is different—but from a biological standpoint, it is technically possible for anyone with a vulva to have them.
So, if you’ve been wondering what multiple orgasms are, what they feel like, and how to start exploring all the multi-orgasmic potential, we asked six real clit-owners to tell us about their experiences. And, of course, we asked some experts, too!
What are multiple orgasms?
First things first: Let’s define what an orgasm is. An orgasm is the release of tension at the height of sexual response. It is when you reach peak arousal and then experience a release. This is followed by contractions of the pelvic floor. It can feel pleasurable, just fine, or like a sneeze. No two orgasms are exactly alike!
Multiple orgasms are orgasms that happen in succession—typically within a few seconds or minutes of each other. This all comes back to those juicy lil nerve-fibers. “Vulva owners are more likely to experience multiple orgasms because of the sheer number of nerves that are present both in the vulva and in the clitoris,” says Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist.
Now, as exciting as all of this is, it’s important to remember that goal-oriented sex—aka sex that prioritizes orgasm (whether one or many) as the end all be all of a “successful” sexperience—is simply not it. Sex should be about pleasure—the journey, rather than the destination. “Having multiple orgasms should not be seen as a goal, as they are not required to enjoy intimacy and have pleasurable sexual experiences,” Ghose adds.
All too often, multiple orgasms are framed as yet another box to check on the laundry list of sexual acrobatics women and AFAB people are meant to “achieve,” adds Mintz. Not cute! Remember, you should never feel pressured to do or experience any specific sex thing. Not to mention, when we place pressure on orgasm, we’re less likely to have one (let alone multiple!). We need to be in a relaxed state of mind to reach maximum pleasure. TL;DR? Pleasure is the measure. Whether it leads to one orgasm, multiple orgasms, or zero orgasms, whatever feels good to you is perfectly fabulous.
Now, without further ado, let’s hear about some ~real experiences~ from women and AFAB folks who have had multiple orgasms, shall we?
How do you define multiple orgasms?
“Multiple orgasms are orgasms experienced in succession. There’s no buildup required to have a second orgasm after the first—they happen quickly thereafter and can feel like rolling orgasms.” —Nicole
“They’re exactly that: a muscular response with a buildup and climax that occurs more than once during a single sex session. My body usually responds more intensely when I’m having a second or third orgasm, and they can make me feel more connected to my body.” —Andi
“For me, it is when my body has an orgasm without completely coming down from the previous one.” —Tai*
“It’s where my body cums more than one time during sex. It’s the most amazing feeling ever.” —Kiedra
“To experience multiple orgasms means to climax more than once back-to-back within one sexual session. The time in between may vary, but after an orgasm, I have a short refractory phase before I am able to climax again. I have gotten quite good at listening to my body and will know if I am able to experience multiples or not.” —Megan
“Well, since orgasms are the release of tension at the peak of sexual response, I’d say they’re basically when you climb up into more and more tension in the body and then release it, and then do it all again. It’s like being on a steep roller coaster.” —Chloe
What does it feel like to experience multiple orgasms?
“It feels like rolling waves of pleasure. Almost like fireworks where there’s one explosion and it’s beautiful and then another one comes shortly after and it’s great too.” —Nicole
“Physically, it feels like a faster buildup and more intense climax. Emotionally, it connects me more with my body and partner.” —Andi
“It feels like a magical bonus. Usually, the second or third one sneaks up on me.” —Tai
“It feels pure, like a solid release. I have never smoked weed before, but I imagine that would be the same type of feeling. Pure ecstasy, an entire body high.” —Kiedra
“The first one is usually the most intense, and those that follow are still pleasurable but often less climactic and shorter lasting.” —Megan
“It’s kind of these really tense highs and then lows. You get really tight and then you let go and roll into it. Then you’re in a little lull for a few minutes and then – once you start stimulating again—up you go again. It’s a lot.” —Chloe
When did you have your first multiple orgasm experience? Was it by yourself or with a partner?
“I first experienced multiple orgasms with a partner, my first love who I met in college. I actually experienced my first orgasm ever with him, so it was pretty special to experience that and then to realize, wow, I could also experience multiple orgasms with him. Since then, I’ve been able to experience multiple orgasms by myself and with certain partners. I would say that I never experienced multiple orgasms during a one-night stand or hookup. If it’s been with a partner, it’s always been a situation where I felt safe with them.” —Nicole
“I don’t recall the exact timing, but I was probably in my late 20s, nearer to 30. It was by myself, which is more often the case even today.” —Andi
“I was about 19 when I first experienced my first multiple orgasm experience. It was with a partner and was also my first time having an orgasm from a guy going down (cunnilingus).” —Tai
“My first experience was actually by myself with a toy. My second experience was with my partner.” —Kiedra
“My first experience with multiple orgasms was during a solo session. I have always been sexually curious, and I fed this curiosity by exploring my body in ways that gave me the most pleasure. Once I figured out what I liked, I started to have the ability of multiple orgasms. I discovered that adding sex toys enhances the intensity of my orgasms and helps create additional orgasms, especially when using toys with a partner. I like to give the toy(s) to my partner to let them explore my body as well, adding to heightened visual sensation for everyone involved.” —Megan
“The first experience was all on my own. I think I’d have needed to feel what it was like before ever being able to try it with a partner.” —Chloe
Are multiple orgasms painful?
“I have never experienced multiple orgasms as painful; however, I would say that there can sometimes be a feeling of increased sensitivity—especially with a clitoral orgasm. It’s not painful, per se, but it definitely feels like a very sensitive spot after multiple orgasms.” —Nicole
“I wouldn’t say they’re painful, but my body is much more sensitive to touch and can feel a little overwhelmed. So any touching afterward usually has to wait a bit.” —Andi
“I see how it could be since an orgasm feels like a short, powerful workout. However, that hasn’t been my experience.” —Tai
“I have never had a painful one, but afterward, your body becomes very sensitive so it’s more an uncomfortable or tender feeling.” —Kiedra
“This is something I have not experienced. I can imagine if sex, or orgasms, are ever painful that this is something to communicate to your partner. Maybe the introduction of more foreplay or lube can be beneficial. Or maybe this is something personally that needs to be addressed with a health care professional before continuing with sex.” —Megan
“They’re definitely not painful, but I can be very sensitive afterwards. My whole body feels quite wiped out and I need a lot of snuggles.” —Chloe
How often do you experience multiple orgasms?
“Probably about one out of five times during intercourse. It depends on how present I am in my body. If it’s by myself, I’d say one out of two times, I can easily experience multiple orgasms.” —Nicole
“I don’t experience them very often. I’ve managed a second orgasm maybe 10 times my entire life and a third maybe 2 or 3 times.” —Andi
“Just about every time I receive oral sex.” —Tai
“Every time I have sex. My partner and I have sex maybe four times a month, but every time, I experience multiple orgasms.” —Kiedra
“During a solo session, I can usually experience multiple orgasms every single time, depending on what my mood is. I am very stimulated by visuals I create in my head, and so for most of my solo sessions, I am able to visualize my deepest fantasies. I was able to climax seven times in one session through mental stimuli and self-indulgence. With a partner, it really depends on stamina, comfortability, and how compatible we are sexually. If these stars align, I can experience multiple orgasms with a partner with almost with every sexual encounter. I once spent a day with a man where we took turns pleasing each other for hours on end, getting to know the ins and outs of what we both took pleasure in, and I was able to experience five orgasms over those few hours of stimulation.” —Megan
“Not that often. During oral sex, my partner will sometimes just stay down there after I orgasm. I try to pull away, but he somehow can tell I want another one. If I really pull away, obviously he stops, but sometimes it’s nice to just lie back and let him go for it a second time. I’d say this happens maybe one in five times. ” —Chloe
Is there any specific technique or sex position that helps you achieve multiple orgasms?
“A position that works really well is missionary, with my legs straight and tight to my body and my hips a bit elevated—either on a pillow or on an angle. In that position, it feels like everything is being stimulated from my clit because of the tight squeeze.” —Nicole
“Really focusing on how my body feels and listening to how turned on I am makes a difference for me. Sometimes it’s just not in the cards, and I can tell immediately. But if I’m still turned on after my first orgasm, I listen to how my body responds to more stimulation and go with whatever it’s telling me.” —Andi
“I typically have most plural orgasms when receiving oral sex in sniper position (partner on their stomach). A huge part of what I do is to just allow myself to surrender to the pleasure. Sometimes, that calls for slow jams, wine, and a hot wax massage. Other times, the passion just takes me there.” —Tai
“Missionary, me on top, and my partner eating me out.” —Kiedra
“I love being on top. I have the most control and am usually able to experience the most intense orgasms in this position because of the angle and depth of penetration. But it also helps to switch positions between orgasms.” —Megan
“I always use my wand and lie on my back during masturbation. I can have another orgasm after oral sex, too. I’m also on my back when this happens. It’s just easier to focus on what’s happening if I’m not trying to balance in any one position.” —Chloe
Of your friends and other vagina-havers, how many of them experience multiple orgasms? Do you feel like a unicorn or is it pretty common in your circle?
“Of the few people I’ve talked to about sex, none have ever mentioned having multiple orgasms, but I don’t think every woman will have as much control as she needs and be in touch with her body as much as it requires to achieve it. But that doesn’t mean she can’t get there with practice.” —Andi
“I feel like within my group of friends, it’s about split. The ones that haven’t, to be honest, it seems like they don’t know their bodies and what they like. Like they’ve never played with toys or anything to open themselves up sexually.” —Kiedra
“I would say the majority of vagina-havers in my friend circle are able to and/or have experienced multiple orgasms. As much as anything has the potential to be achievable, I do believe most, but maybe not all, vagina-havers can experience multiple orgasms. Even if multiple orgasms aren’t achievable for some, this is completely fine and normal.” —Megan
“Honestly, my friends and I rarely talk about sex this in-detail, but I’m not really sure why. We’re pretty open people. I would love to know who else is experiencing this because I’m sure they’d have some good tips I could try.” —Chloe
Any advice on how to have multiple orgasms for those who want to experience it?
“During sex, focus on being super present to every sensation in their own body. Breathe deeply and just try to feel pleasure as much as possible. Getting into your head during sex and worrying about how you look, how you sound, or needing to be perfect to please your partner is likely going to inhibit you from being present enough in your own body to experience one orgasm, let alone multiple ones.” —Nicole
“I would recommend getting some toys and exploring yourself first to know what you like. Then have an open conversation with your partner and bring those ideas into the bedroom.” —Kiedra
“A lot of sexual pleasure comes from learning about it, knowing your own body, and building sexual confidence within yourself. Solo sessions are a key factor in enhancing sexual experiences and being open to exploring fantasies in a safe, consensual way. But also, pick a partner who listens to your desires and respects boundaries, because the sexual possibilities are orgasmic.” —Megan
“If you have an orgasm, stop stimulation for a minute or two. Allow your body to chill and then go for a second one. This works for me, anyway. I find you can be really sensitive after the release and it feels better to take a break before going again. I’d recommend grabbing more lube, too!” —Chloe
*Name has been changed.
Taylor is one of the sex and relationship editors who can tell you exactly which vibrators are worth the splurge, why you’re still dreaming about your ex, and tips on how to have the best sex of your life (including what word you should spell with your hips during cowgirl sex)—oh, and you can follow her on Instagram here.
