Orgasm

An orgasm is a sexual climax or peak. Orgasm occurs as a result of continued sexual stimulation. During an orgasm, there is a strong feeling of excitement and intense physical pleasure. Sexual stimulation may be sexual intercourse, hand rubbing and squeezing, called masturbation, or other activities that excite the sex organs. During an orgasm, a person's body usually spasms (shakes or trembles) and the person's brain activity changes quickly. Orgasms may happen when people are asleep. When men ejaculate in their sleep, this is often called a "wet dream".

In a similar way, orgasms happen to other mammals when they engage in sexual activity.

Male orgasm

The penis usually becomes hard before an orgasm, and softens again after. When a man has an orgasm, he feels a very strong and enjoyable feeling, sometimes in all of his body. In a man, an orgasm usually happens at the same time as an ejaculation, which is a release of semen through the penis, that can't be stopped. Young boys can orgasm, but there may be no semen because semen release usually occurs only after puberty has started. After an orgasm, men usually have a deep sense of relaxation, usually felt in the groin and the thighs. Usually the stronger the orgasm, the deeper the relaxation and the longer the relaxation will last.

Female orgasm

A woman's orgasm begins in her clitoris, which is the counterpart of the man's penis. It is preceded by an erection of the clitoris and a moistening of the opening of the vagina. When a woman goes through a full orgasm, her uterus, vagina, anus and pelvic muscles undergo a series of rhythmic contractions. Most women find these contractions very pleasurable. Rubbing or applying other consistent pressure against the clitoris is usually needed to help the woman have an orgasm.