Orgasms are one of the most fulfilling and climatic experiences that can come from sexual activity. So large it usually signals the end of the sexual experience (unless one decides to continue). It is interesting to see how exercising some control over breathing can increase a person’s erotic pleasure. First, consider what your breathing is like when you are having sex with someone else or alone? Are your breaths short, are you holding your breathe, is your exhale area your nose or mouth? These small things about breathing and allowing a larger air capacity can impact the pleasure of orgasms.
It may feel pretty normal to hold one’s breath as one nears towards orgasm, but this has the ability to undermine the sensation. This can be a natural reaction from nervousness, excitement, and the need to be quiet to not disturb anyone or anything else, but holding ones breathe actually causes the body to tense up. This tension causes the flow of oxygen in the body to stagger and cease inhibiting the response to the orgasmic sensation. Prioritizing deep, full, and controlled breathing helps increases oxygen in blood flow, reduces stress, and stretches and relaxes muscles including the pelvic floor. This is essential to the sexual response cycle as it boosts the circulation of blood and internal movement within the body allowing one to feel the orgasm intensely all over. At the same time, don’t concentrate too hard on breathing and become self-conscious. This can lead to a disruption of the flow that is attempting to be achieved. The goal is to experience pleasure at a heighten stage, but do not force it; allow it.
Some tips for focusing on breathing and maximizing pleasure:
- Practice breathing fully and deeply into and from the diaphragm while performing Kegel exercises with the pelvic floor. Kegels are using the pelvic floor muscles to contract and release. This exercise will increase pelvic floor strength, which increases contractions during orgasms. The breathing with allow blood and oxygen flow; the flow and circulation can help produce lubrication and erection as the pelvic area is focused on. **This can also be done without Kegels if desired!
- Edging. Edging is purposefully denying orgasmic relief when close to it on multiple occasions in one occurrence until finally deciding to release. This can make an orgasm more powerful as the sensation receptors are being built up until ultimately they are released. In the process of denying oneself or allowing a partner to deny orgasmic relief, using those moments to also focus on breathing, keeps oxygen and blood flowing in the body to release tension that will make the final climax more enjoyable.
Some college students are sexually active with partners, and some college students are only sexually active with themselves. Either way, they deserve to have fulfilling sexual experiences on their own terms. Sexual pleasure is an important aspect of sexual health, and maximizing that aspect is equally as important.
Below are some resources filled with tips and helpful knowledge!
- https://www.self.com/story/better-orgasms-breathing
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a12904/breathing-technique-orgasm-katehakis/
- https://www.menshealth.com/sex-women/a19545085/make-orgasms-even-better/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-exercise#pursed-lip-breathing
- https://www.healthline.com/health/kegel-exercises
Kiana Rattliff, Safer Sex Wellness Ambassador
So informative, great job Kiana!!