What does an orgasm feel like?

The research for this piece was the best part of writing it. That’s the power of an orgasm.

By definition, an orgasm is “…widely regarded as the peak of sexual excitement. It is a powerful feeling of physical pleasure and sensation, which includes a discharge of accumulated erotic tension.”

However, while medical professionals utilize the physical changes during the occurrence and psychologists use the emotional responses, there is no one universal definition of an orgasm–which got me thinking.

During one of my dates with my vibrator, I found myself wandering off during the waves of pleasure, attempting to imagine words to describe the journey my body was taking.

What do orgasms really feel like?

This familiar yet exciting experience, that I’ve indulged in since I was a teenager, but I wasn’t yet able to define. Is “sexual peak” enough to do justice to the pleasure?

I think not.

So I asked around–

An orgasm feels like…

“Totally satisfying release of tension.”

“Pure as a glass of water.”

“A luxury.”

“Winning an 800 meter race.”

“A skydive.”

“Intimacy and relief.”

“Self care.”

“The best part of life.”

“Euphoria.”

“Heaven!!! Bliss and sheer unadulterated pleasure.”

“There’s nothing more beautiful than this moment and I want to hold onto it forever, but it lasts for like a minute.”

“The most satisfying experience of being invincible.”

“Escapism.”

“A dam releasing water with full intensity.”

“The moment where the soul exits the body and comes back to life again.”

“The most beautiful feeling in the world.”

“An affirmation of my gender identity.”

“A resurrection.”

“Like Christmas, but inside my body.”

“Ecstasy.”

“Pure joy.”

“Lightning within, ending with fulfillment.”

“A cup of hot chocolate at 3 am.”

“Heaven on earth.”

“Satisfaction.”

“Ahh.”

Do any of the above describe my orgasms?

Each and every one- I could relate to everyone’s descriptions and found a smirk on my face throughout.

So honestly, it seems like, defining an orgasm is entirely up to you. Whatever your description, it’s probably relatable. And I hope it’s always pleasurable.

And as it turns out, in a complicated world full of disagreements, experiencing orgasms and describing them, is quite the way to unite us!

Written by: Shanaya Tata