Cumming is a slang word that describes having an orgasm. Cumming can occur through any kind of sexual stimulation, including masturbation; manual, oral or anal sex; and a wide variety of kink and fetish practices.
The term cumming can be used to describe any person orgasming, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. It can also be used to describe orgasming with or without ejaculation or fluid.
People have used variants of this word since at least the 1400s, but the term cumming has been most popularized in recent years in modern pornography. In porn, the term cumming can be both sexy and practical. Performers with penises can announce their orgasm as a cue for viewers, their scene partner, and the film crew to get the best shot of their orgasm. The term cumming may also get used in erotica, websites focused on sexuality and kink, and casual conversations between friends and lovers.
Someone might say, “I’m cumming,” during sex to announce they are about to orgasm. They may also gossip that someone had them cumming hard when discussing their sexual experiences with friends. Cumming is the verb form of the noun "cum," which is a slang term for the fluid produced through orgasm. Cum may refer to seminal fluid or vaginal ejaculate. A similar term, "pre-cum," describes the fluid produced by an aroused penis before orgasm.
"Cumming" vs. "Coming" - The Spelling Debate
Some people debate whether this word should be spelled with a "u," or just use the regular spelling, as in "come" or "coming." Some writers have argued that the choice should be context-dependent, with "coming" as the more mature, educated version of the term. However, language, much like sexuality, can evolve. It is unknown which version of the words is more popular, but cumming has become more acceptable with the rise of texting and online forms of communication.
More About Cumming
Popular online searches reveal people have a lot of questions about cumming and cum. We'll dive into a few.
How to cum?
How to cum is a common question, suggesting people want to learn how to orgasm if they are sexually inexperienced or have yet to experience an orgasm. Many people find cumming easier when they feel relaxed. Having sexual experiences with a trusted partner in a quiet, private place can be helpful. Scheduling play for a time without deadlines or interruptions can also make cumming easier. Some people find cumming during foreplay or through non-penetrative touch easier. Focusing on sensitive body parts, such as the clitoris, frenulum and perineum can make cumming more likely as well.
How to cum faster?
People who have never cum before may find masturbating to learn more about their bodies helps them get there. They can then bring what they’ve learned about how they like to be touched and where into sex with partners. Masturbating less frequently can help people who can cum on their own, but find cumming with a partner difficult. Different positions and motions can also make cumming more likely. These strategies can also help people who want to cum faster or more than they already do. If people still find cumming challenging, they may like to see their doctor or a therapist to determine whether any physical or mental health concerns or psychological issues are impacting their sexual satisfaction. Diabetes, hormonal imbalances, depression, stress and cultural beliefs can all impact someone's ability to cum.
How to cum slower?
While some people want to cum faster, others want to slow down their cumming. People who experience premature ejaculation and people who want to delay their pleasure, or help their partners experience more pleasure, may search for ways to not cum so fast. During sexual play, thinking about things that aren’t sexy, deep breathing, and strategies such as edging and the squeeze technique can delay cumming.
"Edging can be used by individuals with vulvas or penises," explained Rhiannon John, a certified sexologist for BedBible.com. "It involves pausing or stopping sexual activity just before reaching the point of orgasm. By taking a break and allowing the sensation to subside, sexual stimulation can be resumed, prolonging the experience. This process can be repeated as desired.
"The squeeze technique is particularly useful for individuals with penises," she added. "It entails applying pressure to the base of the penis, just below the head, to decrease arousal and temporarily delay ejaculation. Releasing the pressure allows sexual activity to continue."
Some people may also masturbate an hour or so before sex with a partner or use a thick condom to decrease the sensations that trigger orgasms. People concerned about cumming too fast may also see their doctor to determine if there are any underlying health issues causing the problem.
Other Common Questions About Cum and Cumming
Some people are also curious about cum. What cum smells and tastes like, how good it is for the skin, and its protein content are some of the most common topics people wonder about. The smell and taste of cum varies from person to person depending on how hydrated someone is, and what they’ve been eating. It may have a slightly sweet, metallic, or chemical-like smell, similar to ammonia or bleach. As cum is mostly made up of water, the odor is usually not strong. It may taste sweet, salty, metallic or bitter. Semen and vaginal fluid both contain protein. Roughly a third of the protein in seminal ejaculate comes from albumin while prostatic acid phosphatase is responsible for most of the protein in vaginal ejaculate. While there is some protein in cum, experts say oral sex is unlikely to substantially impact a person’s protein levels.
There is limited scientific evidence to suggest cum is good for your skin. A 2014 study found that sperm, in semen, contains spermidine, which may have anti-aging properties. However, putting this cum on the skin could irritate anyone with a semen allergy. A 2009 study suggested vaginal ejaculate may have antimicrobial properties, which could treat infections, including skin disorders. More studies are needed to determine if cum is beneficial for the skin, however.
