Let’s be honest—there is nothing terribly subtle about the male orgasm. But for us girls, it’s more sophisticated (no surprise there).

Women report all sorts of orgasms: orgasms from clitoral stimulation, orgasms during vaginal stimulation, “birthgasms,” orgasms from kissing, from nipple-touching, fake orgasms, you name it. What’s going on here?!?

The answer hinges on a solid understanding of female reproductive anatomy. The clitoris is not just a “pea-shaped bobble ” under the surface of the skin. No, no—that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The full clitoris is actually quite large (9 cm in length!) and loops all around the inside of the vagina, alongside the urinary tube, the urethra. The clitoris is made of tissue similar to the erectile tissue in the penis, but different in that female clitoral tissue can respond directly to hormones like estrogen. Yet another instance of the female body displaying its superior qualities :)

Why do some women orgasm during vaginal penetration while others do not? Because #anatomy. Clitoral tissue extends internally for all women. Some women have more of these internal portions of the clitoris exposed to the vagina—these women are much more likely to orgasm during vaginal penetration. Alternatively, other women have thicker tissue in the space between the vagina and urethra, which makes the clitoral tissue less prone to stimulation via vaginal penetration alone. So it goes.

If you have yet to hit the big “O” from vaginal stimulation, do not despair. There is nothing “wrong” with not being able to orgasm this way—in fact, a Glow poll revealed that only ~6% of women climax from vaginal penetration alone, compared to ~51% who orgasm from clitoral stimulation alone.

Consider these numbers an invitation to take matters into your own hands (so to speak) to learn what you like best. Consider checking out the “How To Make Me Come” blog which describes women’s individual experiences with orgasms, or Sophia Wallace’s “Cliteracy” movement which aims to challenges the lies, question the myths, and rewrite the rules around sex and the female body.

Also, know that the Glow community will NEVER stop talking about sexual preferences and orgasms. Take a gander in Community, and you’ll get a better sense of where your Glow sisters are #coming from ;)