6 Signs You’ve Had an Orgasm, According to Science

“Did you cum?” This is such a common question after a sexual encounter or experience. (As if the moaning wasn’t obvious enough.) Whether you’re feeling frisky with a sexual partner or yourself (looking at you, female masturbation), you may find yourself wondering: “Have I had an orgasm?” Hey, it’s a legit question. Here are some signs to help you figure out whether or not you’ve had an orgasm.

person holding sex toys

What does an orgasm feel like?

First things first: What does an orgasm feel like? An orgasm is generally pretty intense and pleasurable. An orgasm can last a few seconds or longer and may feel mild or intense — but know that it can feel different for everyone and it can feel different each and every time you experience one.

During an orgasm, the body releases dopamine (the feel-good hormone) and oxytocin (the love drug). These hormones combine to create a cocktail of increased happiness and positive emotions that counteract cortisol (the stress hormone). Ejaculation or a release of fluid may occur for both men and women, and all of these differences are completely healthy and normal. 

Have I had an orgasm?

“Have I had an orgasm?” It’s a great question — and though you generally know whether or not you’ve experienced an orgasm, it’s always nice to have a little reassurance that you did in fact achieve the big “O.” Here are some signs you’ve had an orgasm.

1. Your body feels sensitive

After an orgasm, many people report their genitals feel super sensitive to the touch — so sensitive, in fact, they don’t want to be touched for a few minutes. If you want to continue the sexual escapades with round two, take a breather and a water break (because hello, hydration) until your partner is ready to resume the fun — or focus on other areas of the body until the sensitivity has passed.

2. Your breathing and heart rate change

During or after an orgasm, breathing and heart rate may change. Breathing becomes deeper and heart rate is slower. You’ll notice your breathing and heart rate increase before an orgasm — then once you reach the peak of sexual arousal and climax, everything crescents and comes down like a wave while returning to normal rhythms. 

3. You feel happy and relaxed

When you orgasm, you feel happy due to the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones promote feelings of euphoria — so if you’re feeling really great, less stressed, relaxed, and maybe a little bit sleepy, you may have had an orgasm.

4. You feel tension then release

They say a sneeze is the closest thing to an orgasm because in each reflex, there’s a buildup of tension and then there’s a sudden release. If you feel a similar sensation, then you may have experienced an orgasm.

5. Your muscles spasm and you may even shake

Lee Phillips, EdD, psychotherapist and certified sex and couples therapist, says before an orgasm, muscle tension increases throughout the body and blood pressure increases. You may also experience rhythmic contractions in the pelvic area at intervals of 0.8 seconds, especially in muscles behind the lower vaginal wall. The uterus contracts rhythmically as well.

Some people may even experience some sort of involuntary muscle contractions. This can happen in the butt, legs, stomach muscles, thighs, and vaginal walls. If you find yourself shaking and shuttering, chances are those muscle spasms are indicating an orgasm. (Lucky you!)

6. Your skin may be flushed

After an orgasm, your skin may feel flushed. This could be all over your entire body or certain spots like the chest, face, and neck. These areas may even be hot to the touch but will return back to their normal color shortly after climax. Until then, enjoy that post-orgasm glow. It looks good on you!

Phillips shares a few more signs you’ve had an orgasm:

  • The clitoris often remains very sensitive to touch for five to 10 minutes.
  • The clitoris retracts toward the body and under the clitoral hood.
  • Lubrication decreases.
  • The clitoris, nipples, uterus, vagina, etc. all return to unaroused state in less than one-minute post orgasm.

The next time you have an orgasm (or think) you’ve had an orgasm, consider these indicators to confirm whether or not you really did. Happy orgasming, everyone!

Live Relationships

About Ashley Martens

Ashley Martens is a Wellness Writer based in Chicago, Illinois. With a lifelong passion for all things health and wellness, Ashley enjoys writing about topics to help people live happier and healthier lives. With a foundation in fitness, food, and nutrition, Ashley covers it all including sexual health and travel topics.