[foxes]

I have read in some magazines that a woman's orgasm is supposed to last for 20 seconds, yet mine only go for like 5 to 10 seconds max. Am I abnormal or are most other women like me?

[jns]

I have read in some magazines that a woman's orgasm is supposed to last for 20 seconds, yet mine only go for like 5 to 10 seconds max. Am I abnormal or are most other women like me?

Welcome to WH Interactive Forums. Like most, I have a fairly limited direct knowledge of the length of orgasm by many women. From what I personally know, 5 to 10 seconds seems about right. I am a guy and this roughly corresponds to the length of my own orgasms. I would think a 20 second orgasm would be completely draining where the woman wouldn't be able to function for quite a while afterwards. Maybe the 20 second timing comes from porn which seems mostly faked.

[Alison H.]

I've never timed an orgasm, but I think that it can vary pretty widely between people. There are some that I know have lasted longer than others — generally, those that involved a longer build-up before release, although I think the position/stimulation type made a difference, too — while some are just really short in duration (so 5-10 seconds sounds about right).

If I had to guess, I'd say mine are around 10 seconds most of the time? But that's an estimation; I don't really know for sure.

That said, there have been times when an orgasm lasted a lot longer — but it wasn't a constant orgasm. It's hard to describe, but I've had what are almost like a bunch of "mini orgasms" for up to a minute afterward (but only when stimulation is continued).

Kind of like aftershocks, I guess. Or overstimulation, maybe?

I don't think a woman's orgasm is "supposed" to last for any particular length of time, though. Everyone's body responds to stimuli differently.

[Kayla Lords]

I think there's no standard time for anything when it comes to the human body, including orgasm. I have some full-body orgasms that seem to go on forever that in reality may be closer to that 20-second mark. But I also have little shuddering orgasms that last a second or two. I've also noticed that the way my orgasms feel, the number of them, and the duration have changed over time -- but they can also change based on how I'm getting off (solo with a vibrator or with a partner), what kind of stimulation I feel, how I'm feeling before, whether I'm in the moment or my mind is wandering, etc, etc.

For many women, orgasms and sexual arousal/pleasure are more complicated than something like "orgasms last 20 seconds."

I'd be more curious to find out how someone came up with 20 seconds as the number. Is it in an average (which means times will definitely vary)? Was it a study of a specific type of stimulation in a specific area (clitoral versus g-spot) -- because that will definitely change from person to person? What was the age of the women -- because bodies and reactions definitely change as we get older. 20 seconds seems arbitrary to me, so I think it can be safely ignored as a "standard" for orgasms.

[G-Wagon]

Never timed mine but 20 seconds is way too long. I think mine is between the 5-10 seconds frame. You are absolutely normal.

[Little_Man_in_the_Boat]

I have read in some magazines that a woman's orgasm is supposed to last for 20 seconds, yet mine only go for like 5 to 10 seconds max. Am I abnormal or are most other women like me?

Don't believe every thing you read because much of what I have read is just nonsense.
Most women will not have a orgasm simply because most men and women are just too lazy or just don't care enough to want to put in the effort to achieve it despite how amazing it is. Orgasm died because people are jealous if you try to explain it to them. They don't believe what its like because of their own prejudices and biases, and weird preconceived ideas. Most people are terribly ignorant and hopelessly brainwashed about what it is. Facts are facts. These days you'll get attacked if you try to explain it to them. This is the harsh reality.