6 Signs You Just Had An Orgasm

You might have heard an orgasm described as a vaginal sneeze or called “la petit mort” — French for “the little death.” And though both these are common comparisons, let’s be real. They're not exactly sexy. Others might describe orgasms as fireworks or a cresting ocean wave — prettier, sure, but more abstract. With all these euphemisms floating around, it’s totally possible to come and then have to stop and think, “Wait… was that an orgasm?” And if you’ve never had an orgasm before — as is the case for around 10-15% of cis women — questioning what just happened is even more understandable.

Additionally, orgasms feel different to different people. Sexologists even say that people with vulvas can have 12 different types of orgasms. That's right: one person can "experience wildly different orgasms” in different situations, Vanessa Marin, a sex therapist who specialises in teaching women how to orgasm tells Refinery29. 

While different people experience orgasms differently, there are some commonalities. You might notice a few of the signs on this list, or you might feel all of them — it's very individual. Basically, if your body had a reaction during sex and you now feel better than you did before, Marin said, you probably had an orgasm.

The reason some people say orgasms feel like a sneeze is that both experiences begin with a buildup of tension, followed by a sudden release. They're both reflexes — one just feels a whole lot better than the other.

When you orgasm, your brain is flooded with feel-good chemicals including oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones promote feelings of euphoria, bonding, empathy, and closeness. Basically, you'll feel good. And maybe a little sleepy.

Many people experience some sort of involuntary muscle contractions during or just after an orgasm. This can happen in your vaginal walls, butt, thighs, legs, and stomach muscles.

During or just after an orgasm, you may notice that you're breathing more deeply and your heart rate is slower. One 2008 study found that, on average, people's heart rates were highest at the beginning of an orgasm, and they returned to a baseline about ten to twenty minutes after.

Many people may find that the skin on their face, neck, and chest gets red and might feel hot to touch. This is sometimes called a "sex flush" or "orgasm flush" — and NARS' famous "Orgasm" blush is designed to mimic it.

After an orgasm, many people report that their genitals feel sensitive — so sensitive that they don't want to be touched for at least a few minutes. If you'd like to continue the sex session, concentrate on other areas of your body — or your partner's — for a while before returning to your vulva.