6 Surprisingly Weird Things That Can Help You Orgasm (Backed by Science)
6 Surprisingly Weird Things That Can Help You Orgasm (Backed by Science)
When people think about having better orgasms, they often jump to new positions, techniques, or toys. But what if some of the biggest factors have less to do with what you're doing and more to do with what's happening inside your body?
Your ability to orgasm isn't just about stimulation. It's influenced by circulation, muscle tension, breathing, hydration, and even whether you're laughing.
Here are six surprisingly simple and science-backed ways to help your body get into a state that's more receptive to pleasure.
💧 1. Stay Hydrated
Hydration affects more than just your energy levels.
Being well-hydrated supports healthy blood circulation throughout the body, including to the genitals, which plays an important role in sexual arousal. For many people with vulvas, adequate hydration can also support natural vaginal lubrication, making sex feel more comfortable and pleasurable. You'll likely notice the effects elsewhere, too—when you're hydrated, your body is better able to produce saliva and maintain healthy moisture in its mucous membranes, all signs that your body has the fluids it needs to function optimally.
And here's a fun bonus: for some people, having a slightly fuller bladder can increase pressure against the tissues surrounding the anterior vaginal wall, making certain types of stimulation feel more intense. (Emphasis on slightly—being distracted by the urge to pee probably isn't going to help.)
While hydration isn't a magic cure for orgasm difficulties, it's one of those simple physiological factors that can quietly support your body's natural sexual response.
🧦 2. Warm Your Feet
This one sounds made up—but it's not.
One small study found that participants with warm feet were significantly more likely to orgasm than those with cold feet.
Why?
When your body is warm, your muscles relax more easily, blood vessels dilate, and circulation improves. Feeling physically comfortable also makes it easier for your nervous system to shift away from stress and toward pleasure.
So if you've ever laughed at someone wearing fuzzy socks during sex... they might actually be onto something.
🌬️ 3. Slow Down Your Breathing
As arousal builds, many people unknowingly start holding their breath.
Unfortunately, shallow breathing can increase muscle tension and make it harder to stay connected to what's happening in your body.
Instead, try slowing your breathing down.
Long, deep breaths increase oxygenation, encourage relaxation, and help your nervous system remain in a state where pleasure is easier to access. They also keep you grounded in physical sensation instead of drifting into self-conscious thoughts or performance worries.
Sometimes the simplest way to improve your sex life is to... breathe.
❤️ 4. Get Your Circulation Going Beforehand
Ever notice you feel a little sexier after leaving the gym?
It might not be just about confidence.
Light exercise, dancing around the kitchen, stretching, going for a brisk walk, or even taking a warm bath or shower before sex can all increase circulation and blood flow throughout your body, including to the genitals.
Better blood flow supports arousal by helping erectile tissues become engorged and more sensitive to touch. Exercise also releases endorphins and can help reduce stress, creating an even better environment for pleasure.
You don't need an intense workout. Even a little movement can help wake your body up.
😂 5. Laugh Before (or During) Sex
Believe it or not, laughter might be one of the most underrated forms of foreplay.
When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, decreases stress hormones like cortisol, relaxes muscles, and increases feelings of connection. All of those changes make it easier for your nervous system to move away from "fight or flight" and toward "rest and receive."
Laughter can also ease performance anxiety.
If you're worried about "doing everything right," sharing a genuine laugh with your partner can remind your body that intimacy doesn't have to be perfect to be pleasurable.
Sometimes the sexiest thing you can do is stop taking yourself so seriously.
🎶 6. Don't Be Afraid to Make Some Noise
Moaning isn't just something people do in the movies.
Vocalizing during sex—whether that's sighing, laughing, moaning, or even talking—can actually support orgasm in a few different ways.
Making noise naturally encourages deeper breathing, helps release muscle tension, and keeps you connected to your body's sensations rather than getting caught up in your thoughts. Many people also find that vocalizing helps them communicate what feels good without needing to stop and analyze every sensation.
In other words, making more noise may help you get out of your head and into your body.
The Bottom Line
There's no universal recipe for orgasm, and everyone's body responds differently. But understanding how your physiology influences pleasure can help you approach sex with more curiosity AND a little less pressure.
Sometimes improving your sex life isn't about learning a new technique. It's about creating the conditions that allow your body to relax, become aroused, and respond naturally.
If reaching orgasm has been consistently difficult or you've found yourself feeling frustrated, anxious, or disconnected during intimacy, you're not alone. A sex therapist can help you explore the physical, emotional, and relational factors that may be getting in the way—and work with you to find strategies that fit your unique body and experiences.
This you might be a good fit for sex therapy? Want to learn more new ways to have fun between the sheets?
