Orgasm is a series of intense, pleasurable muscle contractions in the pelvic area. This is the result of genital stimulation.
Before orgasm, the body's muscles have tightened, and blood vessels in the genital area have swelled with blood. When this has reached a peak (climax), the muscles suddenly relax, and orgasm follows.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise