Throughout history, the female orgasm has been the subject of analysis and interest, both for those who experience them (or not, as the case may be) and for those who hope to help their partners achieve them.

Many ask if female orgasms are real, while others wonder what their purpose is.
Unlike the male orgasm, the female orgasm plays no major part in conception, and it can be concluded that its only function is to offer pleasure. We're not complaining about this, but we feel that the difficulty in achieving orgasms for women, in particular, is a major biological flaw.

There’s plenty of information circulating about the female orgasm, but how much of it is true?

We’re keen to set the record straight about the Big Oh, so read on as we dispel some of the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding the female orgasm.

Myth: Vaginal orgasms are better than clitoral orgasms. 

Hmm, Dr Sigmund Freud had a lot to say about sex (of course he did), but when it came to female pleasure, he didn’t quite hit the spot. Rather than acknowledging the many delicious ways women can orgasm, he suggested that struggling to climax - by any method - was a sign of psychosexual immaturity. Sigh.

According to Freud, if you couldn’t orgasm, it was likely due to unresolved conflicts from childhood. We know now that pleasure is far more personal and complex than his old-school theories allow, and thankfully, we’ve moved well beyond the idea that there’s only one “right” way to orgasm.

It is now believed that vaginal orgasms are clitoral orgasms. Yep, even the ones that feel deep in your vagina or up by your cervix. That’s because the clitoris isn’t just the little nub you can see - it’s a whole internal pleasure powerhouse, and it wraps around the vaginal canal like a glorious hug. So when you feel a so-called vaginal orgasm, it’s still your clit doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

The idea that clitoral orgasms are somehow 'lesser' or that vaginal orgasms are more 'mature' is pure myth -and frankly, it’s done women a massive disservice. This outdated thinking sidelines the clitoris and centers the vagina as the main event, when in reality, the clit is the true star of the show.

Knowing the truth helps us own our pleasure, explore what really feels good, and ditch the pressure to orgasm a certain way.

Myth: Women should orgasm from penis-in-vagina sex.

Fewer than 20% of women climax reliably from penetration alone. Read that again. And yet, so many women, vulva-owners, and gender-expansive folks feel like there’s something wrong with them for not getting off that way.

Spoiler: There’s nothing wrong with you. At all. What’s really broken is the tired old script that says penetration is the 'main' or 'only' way to have sex. It’s not. Penetration is optional, not obligatory.

When we understand that our pleasure isn’t weird or broken - but completely normal -we can finally let go of the pressure and shame. And that means more confidence, better communication, and way more orgasms.

You deserve sex that feels good for you—whatever that looks like.

Myth: All women can have multiple orgasms.

In fairness, women who do orgasm have got it pretty good. Many women don't, which isn't to say they won't in the future; this is something that can be learned with time, patience and maybe a little bit of help from a vibrator.

The good news is that once you have learned how it works for you and you can bring on an orgasm, it is possible to keep on coming again and again. This is referred to as multiple orgasms and is often done with continued stimulation of the G-spot.

However, not all women respond to stimulation of their G-spot, and as the clitoris tends to get over-stimulated after one orgasm, multiple orgasms aren't something that every woman can just do. It requires knowledge of how your body works, the right tools (fingers, penis or toy) and lots of practice.

Myth: Positioning makes no difference when it comes to reaching an orgasm.

We're calling time on this belief.

A position that works for you could mean having a toe-curling climax, whilst a position that doesn't stimulate your hotspots in the right way may mean a lukewarm 'meh' experience.

The best position varies from person to person: for some women, this means being on top. This allows either themselves or their partner to stimulate their clitoris with their fingers. Since most women don't orgasm from vaginal penetration alone, having easy access to the clitoris can be crucial when it comes to coming.

For other women, this may mean being flat on their backs - despite its reputation for being 'dull,' the missionary position can be really useful for orgasm-surety. It allows you to rock your hips back and forth or grind against your partner's pubic bone. Again, it is most often the stimulation of the clitoris that makes the magic happen.

A good starting point is trying to recreate your favorite solo-sesh position but with a toy or penis joining the party.

Myth: It’s okay to fake orgasms.

Pretty much everyone has been there at some point. A partner is giving it their all, but nothing happens, and the pressure to orgasm so the partner can feel they've done a good job builds, and before you know it, a bit of loud moaning makes it seem like a fantastic orgasm just happened. The partner is happy, you are happy(-ish) and at least they had a great time even if you didn't... Catch 22.

The problem with faking is that it lets your partner believe that you experienced an incredible orgasm when you didn't.

Each person is responsible for their own orgasm, and having an honest and open conversation about what you like and what gets you off will ensure the next encounter is both better and hotter.