Don't believe everything you hear: orgasm myths, like sex myths, run the gamut and have the potential to cool down your steamy interactions.
Rather than feel stressed about sex and put the orgasm phenomenon on a pedestal, take a step back and focus on the journey instead. After all, why would you want to rush through an event just get to the finale?
To give those misconceptions a rest, experts at Cliovana, a non-invasive treatment to help women dealing with painful sex, teamed up with Dr. Asandra, an anti-aging physician and vitality expert, to separate fact from fiction.
5 of the biggest orgasm myths debunked:
What's the real deal and what's bogus? Allow the medical experts to fill you in. Don't get too overwhelmed by what you think you should be feeling—you'll be liable to give yourself an orgasm headache. (Yes, those are things.)
1. Something is wrong if you don't orgasm
On the contrary, the experts revealed that roughly 30% of women have trouble orgasming. Heck, take it from Rachel Bilson, who just admitted she didn't orgasm from sex with a partner until she was 38. So to answer your question: no, there's nothing wrong with not being able to orgasm.
This is why sexperts stand by solo exploration—it lets you know what works for your body. Plus, it's actually responsible for women's most intense orgasms, according to a study from the sexual wellness brand, Love Honey. (Psst: If you've asked, "Why can't I orgasm?" allow the pros to help with these tips and tricks.)
2. You should always orgasm in a loving relationship
The love you have for your partner does not necessarily mean you're going to feel fireworks every time you get busy. There are plenty of psychological and physical roadblocks that could potentially stand in the way of a grand finale, including childbirth, medications and self-esteem, to name just a few.
Wellness experts insist that you should talk about sex with your partner so that the both of you feel comfortable and can potentially work through any hurdles that are thrown your way. But should you feel as though you're unable to experience what you're hoping for, never feel bad for seeking medical attention. (While we're on the topic, here's everything gynecologists want you to know—from lube questions to period red flags.)
3. Multiple orgasms are easy to achieve
Multiple orgasms are more common than we suspected, according to a study from McGill University and the University of Montreal. However, that doesn't necessarily mean they're a guarantee. If this is something that piques your curiosity—the second is said to be more powerful than the first—try a hands-free vibrator to see what strikes your fancy.
4. Women can only orgasm through penetration
The teams from Cliovana and Dr. Asandra's office say there are plenty of ways to orgasm, including clitoral stimulation—the best clit vibrators are fan-favorites—the use of sex toys and oral sex.
5. Orgasm is the end goal of sex
Experts from Cliovana and Dr. Asandra's team assure us that an orgasm isn't a requirement for a satisfying sexual experience, something we've been told several times before. After all, the increased interest in foreplay ideas prove that couples want to take their time and not rush to the end.
"An orgasm isn’t the be-all and end-all of sex, nor does it define a sexual encounter," Annabelle Knight, a sex and relationship at Lovehoney previously told My Imperfect Life.
There's a lot of hype surrounding the Big O, but don't let the sensation—and the myths that come along with it—overwhelm you and take away from your pleasurable experience.
