Interested to know what a woman feels when she reaches orgasm? This is a step-by-step coverage of what happens to women on their way to orgasm.

1. She becomes aroused

Sexual triggers like hot moves on the dance floor, passionate kisses unleash a cascade of physiological responses that begin to prepare her body for sex. Her body starts to lubricate the vaginal canal and inner labia. Chemicals released in the brain increases bloodflow to the pelvic area, swelling the inner and outer labia and causing her to feel sexual tension.

2. Her body unwinds

Parts of her brain start to relax, and the uterus tips upward, making the vagina longer. The clitoris starts to swell, as does the spongy tissue around the urethra, which is why some women feel as if they have to pee when aroused. Indirect stimulation of the clitoris will make her want direct stimulation, increasing her appetite for sex.

3. Her vital signs increase

Her heart rate and breathing speed up, more blood is pumped to her sexual organs, and her clitoris extends, fully engorged, longing for contact with penis. Slow, steady stimulation that builds rhythmically will help coax her body toward the threshold to climax. The more anticipation she feels, the better she’ll respond.

4. She nears her treshold

Because of the flood of neuro-transmitters in her brain, she enters a trance-like state. Just before the orgasm, the subconscious part of the brain signals a vaginal nerve to start muscular contractions. Women may feel the outer third of their vagina “grabbing” at the penis, but her arousal may fade and she will still revert to stage 1 if stimulation ceases or changes.

6. She reaches orgasm

The orgasmic stage with rhythmic or sporadic contractions in the vagina, uterus, and anus typically lasts 10 to 60 seconds. At this point, many women prefer more intense stimulation that matches their orgasmic response. The chemical oxytocin is released in the brain, promoting a feeling of closeness, according to some research - which could explain why women want to cuddle after sex.

7. Her rest period begins

Unlike men, women can have multiple orgasms without experiencing a refractory period after each one. This doesn’t happen without stimulation though, so if stimulation stops women will return to a base-line level of arousal. Contractions stop, the uterus lowers, and the clitoris goes back in its shell. Heart rate and breathing slow, and bloodflow returns to normal. The clitoris will probably be too sensitive for direct stimulation, but other parts of her body will be yearning for attention.