Climax is a term for the peak of sexual excitement. During climax, a person experiences involuntary muscle spasms accompanied with feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Climax may occur during masturbation, foreplay, or sexual activity.
When it’s used as a noun, climax is a synonym for orgasm. As a verb, the term climax describes the process of achieving an orgasm. Come, or cum, is another common synonym for the term climax.
During the point of climax, a woman’s uterus, vagina, and anus contract all together every 0.8 seconds. In men, similar contractions occur in the penis and anus. Generally a man also ejaculates at this time, although this is not always the case. When ejaculation does not occur it is called a dry orgasm. A climax may consist of up to 10-15 contractions, depending on its intensity.
Muscles in other parts of the body, such as the toes, hands, or face, may also contract during climax. Breathing and pulse rate also increase, and blood pressure rises.
Approximately 25 percent of women reportedly climax every time they engage in sexual intercourse, compared to 90 percent of men. Ten percent of women can be identified as pre-orgasmic, meaning they have yet to experience an orgasm.
