To many men, the female orgasm is a mystery. Many women don’t know how to unravel it for them. The sagest advice a woman can receive is this, “To learn how to climax properly, you have to touch yourself.” Yes, women you need to masturbate to find our clitoris and your g-spot. Know your equipment and then you can take your man on a guided tour of the ‘literal hotspot.’

Of course, this article isn’t about female masturbation (We know, guys, sorry. We’ll get to that soon.). It is about demystifying the female orgasm. We’re going to delve into what goes on physiologically when a woman climaxes.

A woman who is sexually aroused will have hardened nipples and will probably be breathing heavy. Her legs will edge apart and her labia (vaginal lips) will become engorged. The woman’s clitoris, a hard button-like feature, will perhaps throb and be much more accessible.

She will most likely secrete fluid inside the vaginal walls and at the entry way. The vagina itself will seem to become larger as blood rushes to the region. (Note: blood also rushes to the breasts, causing them to swell and the areolas to become hard.) Interestingly enough, however, right before orgasm the clitoris shrinks a bit and nearly hides inside the vagina.

This is good news. It means that orgasm is on its way as long as stimulation to the area continues. Fluid secretions will probably go from being clear to a bit on the whitish side. (Think milk and water mixed together in consistency.)

When orgasm begins, the interior vaginal muscles will contract, occurring in 10-second intervals (roughly). Each contraction lasts for a few seconds. Some are stronger than others and contractions can extend to the anus and uterus as well.

The skin will be flushed on the female’s body and her breathing will become even more shallow. She may pant and/or moan. Contractions will heighten to the point where they seem to come one right after the other. The interval between them will shorten as well and the woman may ejaculate at this point.

Muscles throughout the body may also contract and the woman will feel an immense sense of release. It is not unusual for a female to cry at or right after the moment of climax. The face may look as if she is in pain during the height of her pleasure, and there’s no need to be alarmed if the body goes rigid for a few brief seconds.

It is completely natural and normal.