The Betty Dodson Orgasm Project

What is orgasm? Over 100 women volunteered to record their answers to a series of questions to describe their orgasm and masturbation experiences. Their responses are fascinating and informative.

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Art by Betty Dodson

"I have several different types of sensations that I think of as an orgasm."

Jennifer Rahner Age 50: Jennifer remembers having “tickle” orgasms at the age of 5 and full orgasms at the age of 10 with the faucet and erotica.  Her father was supportive of her pleasure (he found her vibrator and his response will bring you to tears).  She experiences several types of sensations during orgasm.  Having regular orgasms makes her desire more – it creates sexual desire.

"I was 21 years old and it was my first time using a sex toy."

Ludyvine Age 33: Ludyvine had her first orgasm at 21 with a vibrator.  She feels contractions in her vulva during orgasm and each orgasm feels different.  After Bodysex, her orgasm feels deeper and longer.  Her orgasms feel like a complete release.

Art by Betty Dodson

Art by Betty Dodson

Anonymous Age 59: Her orgasm feels like electricity that intensifies.  Combining penetration with clitoral stimulation deepens the sensations.  She doesn’t always feel a complete release.  The experience of sisterhood during Bodysex helped heal her past sexual trauma.  Her advice to her younger self: have as many orgasms as possible with yourself.

"I tend to forget it takes time for me to get fully aroused."

Anonymous Age 44: She had her first orgasm at the age of 24 with the magic wand and squirted.  She needs time to hit the big O.  The lower left side of her labia is the most sensitive (not the clitoral glans).  Bodysex helped her to feel that she wasn’t broken.  Her advice to her younger self: stop dating musicians – orgasm takes time – practice and have patience.

Art by Betty Dodson

Art by Betty Dodson

"Sometimes my orgasm feels like I'm riding waves of pleasure."

Laura Bogush Age 62: Laura’s first memory of pleasure was in the bathtub at 2 touching her vulva with her fingers. Rubbing her Barbie’s feet on her clitoris was another memory of childhood masturbation.  Her orgasm feels like peak, intense pleasure throughout her body and, sometimes, just in her clitoris.  Bodysex helped her overcome negative body image and have more consistent orgasms.  Her advice to her young self: stop chasing the orgasm….your orgasms will get better with age.

"I have most of my orgasms through masturbation."

Anonymous Age 38: She had her first orgasm during oral sex at 21.  Her orgasm feels like pulsating waves of ecstasy and each orgasm feels different. Some orgasms make her feel energetic while others make her feel tired. Bodysex helped her overcome shame and fully connect to pleasure.

Art by Betty Dodson

Art by Betty Dodson

"I let myself lose myself. I think that's the upside of being older. I just don't give a fuck."

Anonymous Age 58: She had her first orgasm as a child in the bathtub with water from the faucet running over her clitoris.  Her orgasm shifts with her emotions.  It took time to experience pleasure without having flashbacks to past sexual abuse.  Bodysex gave her permission to have a full release orgasm.  Her advice: your orgasm is yours.  Those people had no business participating in your sexuality.  You’re safe when you’re alone.  Orgasm is a gift you give yourself.

"It's not just a physical release, it's a mental and emotional one."

Jane Louise Age 35: Jane had her first orgasm at 10 dry-humping her boyfriend.  Her orgasms feel different and, when she includes penetration with clitoral stimulation, the sensations feel deeper.  Pleasure helps you get over the guilt.  You can retrain yourself.  Masturbation healed the trauma in her vagina from sexual assault.  

Art by Betty Dodson

Art by Betty Dodson

"I've come to find a lot of joy in smaller, less intense orgasm experiences"

Marisa Black Age 44: Marisa doesn’t remember a time when she didn’t orgasm.  Orgasm has been her longest companion.  Each orgasm is like a different flavor and they all taste good…even the small ones.  She grew up Mormon and self-pleasure blocked the shame they tried to instill in her.  Self-generated orgasm is a big part of her sex life.

Ashley Manta Age 34: Ashley’s first memory at orgasm is at the age of 7 when she first found her clitoris.  Each orgasm feels different and she does feel a full release.  Bodysex profoundly affected her orgasm.  Now she spends hours in pleasure and doesn’t rush straight to the orgasm.  There’s no wrong way or right way to have an orgasm.

Art by Betty Dodson

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