For decades, the male sexual climax has been narrowly defined by a single, explosive event. However, new insights from leading therapists and pharmacists are challenging this simplistic view, revealing a far more nuanced and varied landscape of male pleasure.
Unlocking a Spectrum of Pleasure
According to psychosexual therapist and nurse specialist Lorraine Grover, men can actually experience six different types of orgasm. This revelation, shared with Metro, dismantles the common misconception that male climax is solely tied to ejaculation. "Many men don’t realise you can even orgasm without an erection," Grover states, emphasising that understanding this variety can help reduce pressure and significantly improve sexual satisfaction.
She is quick to add a crucial caveat: not every man will achieve every type, and that's perfectly acceptable. "Some men are more physically or emotionally tuned in, while others may need time, support or better health foundations. The key is curiosity, not comparison," Grover advises.
The Six Climaxes Explained
1. Ejaculatory Orgasm
This is the most recognised form, typically portrayed in media. Superintendent pharmacist Abbas Kanani explains it involves two phases: emission, where sperm mixes with fluids, and the ejaculatory phase itself. Despite its familiarity, Grover notes that only around 60% of men achieve this every time they have sex, highlighting its dependence on factors like healthy blood flow and arousal.
2. Pelvic Orgasm
Venturing into less familiar territory, this orgasm results from pelvic floor contractions and may involve little to no direct touch or ejaculation. Grover describes it as "internal pulsations radiating through the lower body." Kanani suggests that practising pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can intensify these sensations and aid in controlling ejaculation.
3. Prostate Orgasm
Achieved through anal stimulation or via the perineum, this climax is described as a slow build to a powerful, full-body release. "They can be incredibly intense," says Grover, though she acknowledges stigma or nerves often prevent exploration. Kanani adds that research, while limited, suggests these orgasms may be felt more intensely than ejaculatory ones.
4. Dry Orgasm
This type proves that ejaculation is not necessary for climax. Kanani explains it is achieved similarly to an ejaculatory orgasm but without the release of semen. Grover characterises it as "a more focused climax with less intensity but faster recovery," often occurring in men who practise edging or have had multiple orgasms in a session. However, frequent dry orgasms should be discussed with a doctor as they can indicate underlying health issues.
5. Blended Orgasm
Why have one when you can combine two? A blended orgasm merges stimulation of the penis and prostate, creating a deeper, layered experience. Grover says it feels like "surface-level pleasure merged with a deeper full-body release." Achieving it, Kanani notes, often involves techniques for delayed ejaculation and pelvic floor control.
6. Multiple Orgasms
The rarest of the set, this involves several climaxes in close succession. Kanani explains it's harder for men due to the typical refractory period. The key, according to Grover, is often achieving a dry orgasm first. "It feels like successive waves of pleasure with little or no need for a break," she describes, urging a focus on sensation over a goal-oriented approach.
A Path to Enhanced Sexual Wellbeing
This expanded understanding of male sexuality, championed by experts like Grover and Kanani, does more than just catalogue different experiences. It promotes a healthier, less pressurised approach to intimacy. By moving beyond a singular definition of success, men can explore pleasure with greater curiosity and less anxiety.
The insights were originally compiled for a Metro article published on June 15, 2025, and later updated in December of that year. They underscore a significant shift in the conversation around male sexual health, one that prioritises personal discovery and holistic wellbeing over rigid performance benchmarks.
