Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women

by Julia R. Heiman

Are you shy or self-conscious when it comes to sex? Do you want to learn how to enhance the pleasure you derive from sex? The revised and expanded edition of Becoming Orgasmic provides a program designed to help anyone overcome the myriad obstacles to complete sexual satisfaction.

Whether married or single, young or old, the program presented in these pages will help you feel comfortable with yourself and your ideas about sex and enable you to grow as a person. Becoming Orgasmic will help you:

-Evaluate your sexual history and put it in perspective
-Explore your body through touch
-Understand the effects of pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause on sexual desire and response
-Be comfortable with your body and yourself as a woman
-Share self-discovery with your partner
-Find techniques to try if something turns you off
-Overcome the fear of orgasm
-Learn how to bring yourself to orgasm
-Practice safe sex in today's world—precautionary measures, social expectations, personal values, and choosing a partner in the age of AIDS

A personal and sensitively written book that is also informative, Becoming Orgasmic is designed to make you feel good about your sexuality and yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sexuality, Relationships, Feminism, Psychology, Self Help, Personal Growth

266 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1977

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am already orgasmic, but I read this book because I thought it might have tips on making it easier.
Basically it's all about relaxing and communication (no, your partner is not psychic). It was more than a little depressing reading some of the advice (obviously intended for women with serious body hang-ups), so if you just want sex tips, I'd recommend a book about sex tips. It's a bummer to think about the stuff some of these women go through. On the other hand, if you have trouble orgasming, this book will probably help you.

That being said - this book is worth reading just for the section (near the end) on bridge orgasms. Basically if you can have an orgasm one way (clitoral, for example), you can train yourself to have orgasms other ways (g-spot, etc). Worth it.

[Noemi Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an empowering read!
Highly recommend
Slightly out if date in the way that it doesn't explore different genders and sexual preferences (LGBTQ+) but is all about exploration and self healing so definitely worth a read!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this in my twenties while exploring masturbation. I never finished it. I think it's intended for women who are just starting to explore their sexuality for the first time and in that capacity is very clear and thorough.

[Sheila Muirenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shouldn't this one be found under the category 'books everyone should read at least once' rather than personal health?

Ha ha;)

[Kevin Dufresne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi,

I hope all is progressing well.

Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women by Dr. Julia R. Heiman, Ph.D., & Dr. Joseph LoPiccolo, Ph.D., (illustrations by David Palladini) offers extremely mindful (inclusive of processes of informing trauma) programming (valid through research, practice, and peer-reviews) that may assist an individual and/or coupling with becoming more self-aware, coupling-aware, toward becoming more orgasmic. Engaging my interests in healthful progressions of life as well as of being a more mindful romantic/life partner, I decide to buy then read the text to further broaden and deepen my healthfully progressing understanding of healthfully progressing parameters of life. I find the text contains extremely comprehensive relevant information. The text acknowledges many dimensions of becoming orgasmic as well as offers many references beyond the text for one to engage more particularly into an avenue the text indicates one may find more information about through the bibliography (even acknowledging relevant information may be available elsewhere beyond the bibliography). The text offers advice about mindfully navigating medical and/or therapeutic avenues toward better decision-making in connection with one's purpose for seeking a medical and/or therapeutic professional.

The text approaches becoming more orgasmic in myriad ways connecting to aspects of human spectrums of being. The text seems to be really encouraging of establishing objectively good boundaries of communication, experimenting, and learning toward better growth, improvement, and joy considering short-term and long-term progressions. Living a healthfully progressing life is extremely important and wonderful long-term for oneself though beyond oneself. The text is quite a phenomenal composition with timelessly relevant information.

Additionally, I find the following texts may assist with further deliberating concepts of contexts within Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Program for Women by Dr. Julia R. Heiman, Ph.D., & Dr. Joseph LoPiccolo, Ph.D., (illustrations by David Palladini): The Pleasure Plan: One Woman's Search for Sexual Healing by Laura Zam, Fierce Desires: A New History of Sex and Sexuality in America by Dr. Rebecca L. Davis, PhD, The Pornography Wars: The Past, Present, and Future of America’s Obscene Obsession by Dr. Kelsy Burke, PhD, Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections by Dr. Emily Nagoski, PhD, It's Your Body: The Young Woman's Guide to Empowered Sexual Health by Dena Moes, RN, CNM, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Dr. Daniel Goleman, PhD, All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today by Dr. Elizabeth Comen, MD, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing (Newly Updated and Revised 5th Edition) by Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D., The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry, a Psychotherapist, The Girls' Guide to Growing Up Great: Changing Bodies, Periods, Relationships, Life Online by Sophie Elkan with Laura Chaisty and Dr. Maddy Podichetty as well as Illustrations by Flo Perry, Better Sex Through Mindfulness: How Women Can Cultivate Desire by Dr. Lori A. Brotto, Men's Complete Health Guide: Expert Answers to the Questions You Don't Always Ask by Dr. Neil H. Baum, MD, Dr. Scott D. Miller, MD, MBA, Dr. Mindi S. Miller, PharmD, and Dr. David F. Mobley, MD, FACS, The Penis Book: A Doctor's Complete Guide to the Penis—From Size to Function and Everything in Between by Dr. Aaron Spitz, M.D., A Man's Guide to Healthy Aging: Stay Smart, Strong, and Active (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Edward H. Thompson, Jr., and Lenard W. Kaye (with contributions from contributors which receive credits at the end of the book), Come As You Are (Revised and Updated): The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Dr. Emily Nagoski, Ph.D, The Joy of Sex by Dr. Alex Comfort, M.B., D.Sc., The MindBody Code: How to Change the Beliefs That Limit Your Health, Longevity, and Success by Dr. Mario Martinez, It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn, You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over Your Sex Life by Dr. KJ Casperson, MD, Tantric Orgasm for Women by Diana Richardson, Love Worth Making: How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship by Dr. Stephen Snyder, M.D., Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-First Century by Barbara Carrellas, The Love Prescription: Seven Days to More Intimacy, Connection, and Joy by Dr. John Gottman, PhD, and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex by Dr. John Gray, PhD, Why Good Sex Matters: Understanding the Neuroscience of Pleasure for a Smarter, Happier, and More Purpose-Filled Life by Dr. Nan Wise, PhD, The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan, Perv: The Sexual Deviant in All of Us by Dr. Jesse Bering, PhD, The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis, She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman by Ian Kerner, Sexual Happiness for Women: A Practical Approach by Maurice Yaffe and Elizabeth Fenwick, The Ultimate Guide to Orgasm for Women: How to Become Orgasmic for a Lifetime by Mikaya Heart, Exploring Sexuality and Disability: A Guide for Human Service Professionals with contributions and edits by Dr. Shanna Katz Kattari, PhD, MEd, CSE (with further contributions from contributors which receive credits at the beginning of the book), The Science of Sex by Kate Moyle, a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist, (illustrations by Jocelyn Covarrubias), The Sex Talk You Never Got: Reclaiming the Heart of Masculine Sexuality by Sam Jolman, MA, LPC, Money for Couples: No More Stress. No More Fights. Just a 10-Step Plan to Create Your Rich Life Together. by Ramit Sethi,The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel, Sacred Sex Ed: For Presence, Pleasure, & Purposeful Relating by Leola, SEX EDUCATION FOR TEENAGERS: ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS YOU DON’T WANT TO ASK YOUR PARENTS ABOUT PUBERTY, DATING, AND STAYING SAFE by Riley Rhodes, The Right to Sex by Dr. Amia Srinivasan, PhD, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amazing Sex, 4th Edition: Learn the Secret of a Sizzling Sex Life by Dr. Sari Locker, The New Sex Bible: The New Guide to Sexual Love by Dr. Jessica O'Reilly, PhD, Idiot's Guides: Kama Sutra by Dr. Ava Cadell,The Complete Kāma Sūtra: The First Unabridged Modern Translation of the Classic Indian Text (translation by Alain Daniēlou [inclusive of help from Kenneth Hurry]), I Will Teach You to Be Rich: No Guilt. No Excuses. Just a 6-Week Program That Works (Second Edition) by Ramit Sethi, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Tantric Sex (2nd Edition) by Dr. Judy Kuriansky, PhD, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Enhancing Sexual Desire by Judy Ford, MSW, LCSW, with Rachel Greene Baldino, MSW, LCSW, Soulmates: The Six Essentials for Connected Sex by Susan Bratton, The New Sex Bible for Women: The Complete Guide to Sexual Self-Awareness and Intimacy by Dr. Amie Harwick, The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts by Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, Dr. Nita’s Crash Course for Women: Better Sex, Better Health, Better You by Dr. Nita Landry, MD, OB-GYN, The Book of Hormones: Ultimate Playbook for Women's Health And Hormonal Balance Through Every Stage of Life by Dr. Shweta Patel, MD, FACOG, Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart—Until You’re 80 and Beyond by Dr. Henry S. Lodge, M.D., Chris Crowley, and Dr. Allan J. Hamilton, MD, Breasts: The Owner's Manual: Every Woman’s Guide to Reducing Cancer Risk, Making Treatment Choices, and Optimizing Outcomes by Dr. Kristi Funk, Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, Sexy, and Smart―Until You’re 80 and Beyond by Dr. Henry S. Lodge, M.D., Chris Crowley, and Dr. Allan J. Hamilton, MD, What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, D.O., This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More by Dr. Uma Naidoo, MD, Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To by Dr. David A. Sinclair, PhD, with Matthew D. LaPlante, Age Proof: The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life by Professor/Dr. Rose Anne Kenny, MD (FRCP FRCPI FRCPEdin FTCD FESC MRIA), Great Sex for Life by Linda Sonntag, Naked at Our Age: Talking Out Loud About Senior Sex by Joan Price, Feel It All: A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship with Sex by Casey Tanner, LCPC, CST, Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging: An Easy and Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Body Young, Your Mind Sharp and Your Spirit Fulfilled by Dr. Christina Chen, M.D. and Dr. Nathan K. LeBrasseur, Ph.D., Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means, MD, and Calley Means, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Light on Hatha Yoga by Yogi Swatmarama (in tandem with extensive exploratory commentary on the basis of practical research of Swami Muktibodhananda).

Onward and Upward,
Kevin Dufresne
www.Piatures.com
IG: @Dufreshest

[Elizabeth]

revised and expanded edition with drawings by david palladini 1988
hardcover w dustjacket

a standard

[Spellbind Consensus]

*Becoming Orgasmic: A Sexual and Personal Growth Programme for Women*, by Julia Heiman and Joseph LoPiccolo, is a pioneering and psychologically grounded guide that addresses women’s sexual development with clarity, sensitivity, and scientific integrity. Originally published in the 1970s during the height of the sexual revolution and later updated, the book remains a foundational text for understanding female sexuality, particularly for those seeking to overcome orgasm difficulties or enhance their sexual self-awareness.

The book’s core premise is that **orgasm is a learned response**, not simply a natural event that occurs automatically. Heiman and LoPiccolo present sexual growth as a process that can be cultivated through education, emotional healing, and practice. Their approach is both therapeutic and empowering, focusing on the connection between psychological readiness, bodily awareness, and sexual response.

Structured as a step-by-step program, the book moves from basic knowledge to more advanced personal and relational strategies, always at the reader’s pace and comfort level. It is inclusive of women with a wide range of experiences, including those who have never experienced orgasm, those who struggle with sexual anxiety or trauma, and those simply seeking deeper pleasure or confidence.

Key components of the program include:

* **Anatomical and physiological education** – The book starts with accurate, shame-free information about female sexual anatomy and how arousal and orgasm function biologically. This foundational knowledge is meant to replace myths and misinformation that often hinder sexual confidence.

* **Self-awareness and relaxation** – Early exercises focus on body image, self-perception, and relaxation techniques. These are designed to help women feel more comfortable in their bodies and reduce the anxiety that can interfere with arousal and orgasm.

* **Masturbation as a learning tool** – The authors advocate for self-exploration as a central practice in becoming orgasmic. By discovering what brings pleasure without pressure from a partner, women can gain confidence and better communicate their needs.

* **Partnered communication and sensate focus** – Later chapters introduce exercises for couples, emphasizing mutual respect, open communication, and gradual physical intimacy. The focus is on shared exploration rather than performance.

* **Psychological factors** – The book addresses emotional and relational issues that may impact sexual enjoyment, such as guilt, fear, trauma, or relationship dynamics. It promotes healing and growth through both cognitive and behavioral strategies.

Throughout, the tone is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and firmly grounded in clinical experience and research. Heiman and LoPiccolo write with the understanding that many women have been conditioned to view sexuality through a lens of shame, repression, or performance pressure. Their goal is to create a safe and structured path toward self-acceptance, sexual autonomy, and fuller pleasure.

Unlike many contemporary sex guides that emphasize quick fixes or trendy techniques, *Becoming Orgasmic* is deliberate and therapeutic in tone. It speaks to readers as intelligent, complex individuals and offers a long-term, holistic path to sexual fulfillment—not only in terms of orgasm but as part of overall personal growth.

In summary, *Becoming Orgasmic* is a landmark book that offers a respectful, research-based program for women seeking to enhance their sexual well-being. It remains a powerful resource for reclaiming pleasure, building confidence, and fostering intimacy—both with oneself and with others.

[miss ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO GOOD guys. loved this so much. probably my favorite of the sex ed books from my collection that i've read so far? i remember reading some selections from this book/program for my sex therapy class in college and i remember my professor being like "sorry if the way this one is worded makes you guys uncomfortable" and it's like. personally i think it's written in a very comforting tone. notably i have been orgasmic for many many years so i really just read this out of curiosity and i felt very comfortable and encouraged by the way this was written. like i would recommend this to clients in my own sex therapy practice. it definitely dates itself with the heteronormativity but i expected that going into this one so. yeah. other than that just really excellent.

[Buffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Like the title suggests, the book not only presents a systematic method to help women become orgasmic, but it's also a personal growth program that helps people to accept their bodies and practice mindfulness. I like how everything is described using an almost clinical language while showing compassion towards readers who are frustrated when not being able to gain orgasms. Some of these methods described here helped me to reflect on my sexual history and habits and become more at ease with myself.

For a book that was written in the 70s, it contains a lot of up-to-date knowledge and holds a very modern attitude towards sex. I have reread some chapters and will do so in the future to remind myself of the methods and messages.

[Demi Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fucking amazing. I think some seeds have been planted in me..

[Misty Galbraith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource for folks wondering if they’ve ever had an orgasm. The information and exercises can be very useful.

[Samyy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seemingly helpful guide for someone who a) has difficulty reaching orgasm, b) is not comfortable with their sexuality, and/or c) is learning about their sexuality for the first time.

[Wilme ("Vilmie") Steenekamp · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read for personal and professional (therapists) use to give especially women "permission" to enjoy their sexuality. I enjoyed the non-pretentious encouragement to explore and enjoy.