The female orgasm is a famously elusive thing.
Conditions have to be just so to reach the big O. Trouble is, while there are things well within your control - say, place and temperature - there are usually more elements beyond your remit: hormones, mood and the volume of your neighbour’s DIYing, for instance.
In many ways, and for many people, it’s likely easier to capture BigFoot or the Loch Ness Monster than achieve a genuine female orgasm.
But times are changing. Stars like Lily Allen, Dakota Johnson and Cara Delevingne have lent their faces and their fame to sex toys, breaking taboos and encouraging conversation. Even Gywenth Paltrow’s Goop, while often making scientifically-rootless statements about vaginal health, can be given some credit for helping to normalise the topic and put privates in the public domain. We’ve never had it so good.
The pandemic played a part too: sales of sex toys surged as people - tired of jigsaw puzzles and sourdough starters - found new ways to keep them occupied at home. They’re now so popular that you can even pick one up on the supermarket shop, between the meat and veg aisle, one must presume.
That said, new disappointing research from leading condom brand Durex found that just five per cent of women finished during sex, compared to 20 per cent of men, which only goes to show that the orgasm gap is still alive and kicking.
So, what can you do if you want to hit the spot every time? While historically sex focused solely on the male experience, we’re ecstatic to report that there’s now more tech, products and companies focused on women’s sexual satisfaction than there has ever been.
From suction vibrators and warming massage oil to CBD-infused intimate gels, there are plenty of ways to find those crashing waves while fireworks burst overhead - whether you’re single, in a situationship or have a long-term partner.
While we can’t give you a cast-iron guarantee that you’ll net the big O, our edit of the best sexual wellness products will give you the greatest possible chance. And look on the bright side: there’s plenty of fun to be had in trying them all out.
Shop the best products to enhance female sexual wellness below
Cannabotech Sensation Feminine Intimate Oil
One of Cannabotech’s newest products already has users raving about its ‘enhanced gratification sensation’. Created with premium CBD oil and functional mushrooms, it’s specifically formulated to enhance pleasure and promote relaxation for women. The Cordyceps militaris, Reishi and Lion's Mane mushroom extracts used are known for soothing, and can support circulation and blood flow which can enhance sensitivity.
Plus, you can currently get 30 per cent off using the code SENSATION30.
Buy now £79.00, Cannabotech
Vella Women’s Pleasure Serum
From the same mind that brought the world Viagra now comes a solution to help women reach fresh levels of ecstacy. Vella is a topical serum that’s rooted in science and uses CBD to relax the vaginal and clitorial muscles, paving the way for a longer, deeper climax.
“We hope to see Vella spur a new sexual revolution – one of sexual orgasms, equality and liberation,” says the brand’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan, who was also the lead principal investigator for Viagra. “Vella is sensual intelligence in a bottle. It gives women the power over their sexual pleasure no matter their age, sexual orientation or life stage.”
Simply apply around 15 minutes before activity to give the ingredients time to do their thing. The effects should last up to two hours, giving you plenty of time to get comfortable, experiment and play. Does it work? While every orgasm is different, we noticed a deeper sensation when trying Vella, compared to without.
It’s available as a skincare-like jar or commitment-free sachets (£27).
Buy now £59.00, Escentual
Womanizer X Lovehoney Pro40 Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator
We are nothing short of evangelical in our praise for this suction toy, which uses six levels of pulsing intensity to help women reach previously unchartered levels of ecstacy.
It's eco-friendly too with a recharging port that does away with the need for any batteries, and it's waterproof which means you can use it in even more settings.
Enjoy on your own or with a playmate. On sale from £99.99.
Buy now £74.99, Lovehoney
Coco De Mer Pure Delight Orgasm Balm
A 20g pot designed to take your climaxes to greater heights proves that good things do indeed come in small packages. Infused with peppermint that tingles delightfully on the skin, it’s vegan-friendly too.
Buy now £25.00, Selfridges
Coco de Mer Enraptured Figment Massage Oil
Breaking sexual taboos is at the heart of everything Coco de Mer does. The sexual empowerment brand now offers a sleek selection of body-safe adult toys and accessories alongside its stable of bondage and lingerie.
This massage oil will prove to be your BFF when it comes to foreplay, offering a sweet fig scent in the silky formula. Made for full body use.
Buy now £35.00, Cult Beauty
Tracey Cox Supersex Orgasm Gel 100ml
Promising to kick your pleasure up a gear comes this gel from renowned sexpert Tracey Cox. It contains mentol in the ingredients which translates into tingles on the skin, adding delightful sensations whether you’re on your own or with a friend. It’s a water-based formula, so perfectly safe to use with adult toys (and it won’t stain your sheets or lingerie either).
Buy now £7.99, Lovehoney
WooWoo Pleasure Enhancing Bliss Oil
Like its name suggests, WooWoo's Pleasure Enhancing Bliss Oil is an oil rather than a traditional lube - but it's designed to be applied the same way and offers a different kind of sensual experience. Infused with CBD, this relaxing oil comes with a beautifully soft scent and adds a little, gentle relaxation to your experience. Its versatility means you can use it as a massage oil or apply it to more sensitive areas of the body.
Buy now £7.50, Ocado
So Divine Orgasm Gel
So Divine does a little more than your average lube. As well as providing a vegan-friendly gel that’s easy to apply and even easier to enjoy, it comes with a subtle menthol flavour.
The effect? A subtle tingling feeling shortly after application. One to use sparingly or whenever you’re looking to spice things up a little from the norm. Just maybe give your partner a heads up before you apply it too liberally.
Buy now £9.99, lookfantastic
Hanx Vegan Lubricant
Hanx has a lot to show off about. This popular water-based lubricant is long-lasting, gentle, naturally scented, vegan, free from parabens, and endorsed by medical professionals: it's practically good for you.
Its elegant packaging adds a sophisticated touch to your private adventures, while its subtle scent ensures no unwanted sickly smells as distraction. Offering no tackiness, no overt stickiness, no irritation and no rashes, it's one of the best options for, literally, pleasing everyone.
Buy now £14.99, Boots
