Mac users: please note that our site is optimized for the Safari browser.

Orgasms
What is pre-orgasmic?
Originally Published: March 08, 1996 ~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: June 16, 2006
 

Dear Alice,

I know this may seem like a strange question, but what exactly IS pre- orgasmic? Does it mean that a person hasn't yet had an orgasm, or that her body isn't ready yet? I remember reading in one of your answers that many women under the age of twenty are pre-orgasmic. Why is this? Also, what is/are the purpose(s) (besides pleasure) of orgasm in women?

Thank you for your help,
—Pre-Orgasmic

 

Dear Pre-Orgasmic,

A pre-orgasmic woman is someone who has not yet had an orgasm. Experts used to describe women as anorgasmic, meaning absence of orgasm; however, this changed when they realized that it would be empowering to women to realize that orgasm was indeed possible, and even likely, with the right stimulation. Hence the word pre-orgasmic began to be used.

Yes, many women under 20 are pre-orgasmic, since they haven't learned to orgasm yet. However, many women do learn, through masturbation, to orgasm in childhood. Alice recently heard about a child of 5 who masturbated and had orgasms. There is no value judgment here, just information.

Some women have their first orgasm with a vibrator on or near their clitoris. They use an electric massager type (vs penis shaped)... the kind recommended for use on tense shoulder and back muscles. Other women have their first orgasm with the stream of water from pulsating shower heads when they are bathing.

Orgasm is an interesting thing. Women can read about it and still not make an connection. Alice knows about a woman who said she wasn't having orgasm, but when she learned more, her body was, in fact responding with orgasm, and she had no idea that THAT was the sensation she was still seeking.

And to answer your question about purpose... it seems that the only purpose of the clitoris is pleasure. Imagine this! Sexual pleasure for women is not tied to reproduction and getting pregnant.

Alice

Related Q&As

Women's orgasms
Easing orgasms for women
No orgasms with boyfriend
No orgasm with partner
Difference between clitoral and vaginal orgasm
Am I having an orgasm?
No orgasms for girlfriend
Orgasms by masturbation vs. intercourse
''Surgical solution'' for small clitoris?



Go Ask Alice! is not an emergency or instant response service. If you are in an urgent situation, please click here to view a list of 24 hour support services and hotlines.